Stand-up comic Marina Franklin once said, “My life is so miserable, it’s hilarious” (Youtube.Franklin). There are a set of comedians who make people laugh, by making fun of themselves. A prime example of a comedian like this, is Joan Rivers. Much of Rivers’ acts are jokes talking about all of her flaws and insecurities. During her act, Rivers remembers a time when she decided to sing in front of the legendary Barbra Streisand. She said, “I sang my heart out in front of Barbra Streisand, and her eyes went crossed” (Youtube.Rivers). Rivers’ was also sure to joke about how fat she was when she was a child, saying, “I was such a fat kid, my mother used to buy bathing suits with blow holes in them” (Youtube.Rivers). Kathy Griffin is another stand-up …show more content…
“I feel obligated to tell anyone who hits on me now, that I am 50. In fact, last week I was at a club, and a guy in his 20’s walks up to me and says “Hello”, I immediately blurt out that I had just turned 50, and he the threw his drink in my face. My confidence was shattered after that. I went home and the next day bought 3 cats and began knitting them little hats”(Youtube.Girffin). Kristin Schall is a stand-up comic who is known for her very distinctive voice. In a show, she said “When I first came to Hollywood, I went in for an audition for a local commercial. When my turn came, I began reciting the lines and I noticed the directors ears began to bleed. He ended up giving me part because I had the “face” he wanted, but had to hire someone else to do voice-over work” (Youtube.Schall). Comedians such as these try to use “pity” humor to make everyone laugh, because laughing at someone else’s pain, is easier than laughing at your …show more content…
These comedians do not use curse words or anything taboo in their stand-up routines. Ellen DeGeneres did an act where she talked about flying on commercial airplanes and the experience of it. This is a topic that most everyone can relate too, which makes it accessible to many types of people. “Have you ever wondered why, when you are landing or taking off, the airline stewardesses tell you to not have your seat reclined? They act like the extra 3 inches of legroom, and actually being comfortable, is the difference between life and death” (Youtube.DeGeneres). Wambui Bahati is another example of a clean comedian. Like DeGeneres, she uses uses experiences that most everyone has had, to try and connect with the audience. It is safe to say that most people have been to a concert in their lifetime, so in a show Bahadi says, “I hate it when you pay to go see a performer, like at a concert, and the performer tells the audience to help them sing their song. I paid 100 dollars for the ticket, took a train, a taxi, two busses and a ferry to get here. I didn’t pay to hear all these pitiful people around me sing, I paid to hear you, so get on it” (Youtube.Bahati). Whitney Cummings is a stand-up comedian whose material is geared towards people in relationships, and the experiences everyone shares with them. For example, Cummings did a routine where she talks about how long it takes women to get ready in the morning. This is
As Tina Fey learned throughout her life, being able to laugh at yourself is a key component to success. In her 2011 book, Bossypants, Tina Fey constantly pokes fun at herself, but in the best way possible. She discusses her childhood, her awkward stages of growing up, and some of her most embarrassing moments as an adult. By utilizing self-deprecating humor, Tina Fey makes her novel amusing and entertaining—something that contributed greatly to her success as a comedian.
Bernie Mac’s second Def Comedy Jam special, “I Ain’t Scared of You Motherfuckers” is a comedic work that has always made me laugh uncontrollably. Even when I was too young to fully understand most of the jokes in that particular standup routine, his physical motions, use of curses and taboo sex phrases, as well as his urban Chicago colloquialisms were enough to have tears dripping from my eyes and a boisterous sound of laughter coming from my mouth, loud enough that it would cause my mother to come into my room and investigate what all the fuss was about. Despite the obvious comedic subject matter of works of comedy done by comedians such as Bernie Mac, there are numerous underlying reasons that attribute to the humor that is expressed through our laugher and enjoyment. Through his lively stage presences and sociological motifs, Bernie Mac was able to enlighten the world on the various cultural aspects of urban life by his use of social and psychological cues that capture our attention, giving us directions on how to react, providing us with an increased social awareness though satirical methods, and making light of taboo topics regarding the themes of sex and gender roles.
From these comedians, satirical humor expresses some opinions about political acts so people can view them more critically.
She gives the listeners personal advice she has learned and uses pathos in a more emotional way. Her allusion to the world trade center is a perfect example of this. She reminds us how we can easily overcome obstacles when we work together with other people. Later in the address Amy Poehler shares a few things she learned from when she studied improvisation in Chicago. She says, “Say ‘yes.’ Live in the moment. Make sure you play with people who have your back. Make big choices early and often. Don’t start a scene where two people are talking and jumping out of a plane. Start the scene having already jumped. If you are scared, look into your partner’s eyes. You’ll feel better”,. The way she relates the strategies she learned there back to life touches your heart. She closes her speech with a heartfelt message, “When you feel scared, hold someone’s hand and look into their eyes. And when you feel brave, do the same thing. You are all here because you are smart. And you are brave....As you head out into the world, I wish you love and light, joy, and much
Analysis of Dave Chappelle's For What It's Worth Stand-Up Comedy Dave Chappelle’s stand-up comedy can be raunchy, grotesque, and
She illuminates the hidden causes of the harsh sexism in rap music lyrics and argues that one needs to look deeper to understand why the misogyny exists and how women in her culture need to respond and also start taking responsibility for its existence in order for changes to begin to take place. In the article “ From Fly -Girls to Bitches and Hos “ the dysfunction of our black men is evident, but somehow it’s seen and admired manliness and success. For example the life of Notorious BIG was one of the rap kings that live a life of jail, sex , drugs and murder that “ the seeming impenetrable wall of sexism in rap music is really the complex mask of American often wear both to hide “ . Joan Morgan was vivid as to show the pain men must be feeling so badly that they had to use disrespectful slurs and hateful comment says their music lyrics. I agree with the fact that in today’s society the "bitches and hos" have become the norm. From my perspective that many guys often believe that is how all women act and that they are all pimps and
Entertaining anecdotes on the other hand, are very amusing to me especially, Jerry Seinfeld talking about his halloween. The ecstatic mood combined with the childhood memories of him talking about how he wanted more and more candy was joyous and entertained all of us. Additionally, the clever wordplay he put throughout the whole speech like up for kids and down for adults made it easier for us to connect with his story. An amusing comedian to listen to is Jim Gaffigan, who amazes his audience every single time. His appearance on Conan was especially exciting because of his satirical manner of making fun of health trends. The way he said to his wife that he wouldn’t waste perfectly good ice-cream, made me giggle a lot. The final example of what makes me laugh is Mr. Bean. Physical comedy may not be for everyone, but the way Mr. Bean used his body to exaggerate the fact that he did not want to walk up to the top to get his swimsuit so he finds another one laying on the ground while a person is looking at
The shows play a major role in developing the comedic basis for African American entertainers even today. As referred to in the modern day, “Black Comedy” is extremely favored by the populus. Famous black comedian Dave Chappelle, once played a role as a “racial pixie”. Chappelle performed as an oddly dressed pixie on the shoulders of African Americans and sang, danced, and encouraged the individual to give into the stereotypes of society (4).
Humor can be described in many different ways. There are millions of things that happen on a daily basis that we perceive as ‘funny’. But, not everyone thinks that the same things are as funny as others do. This is because of our different personalities and outlooks on life. Where we were raised, our race, religion, social class, family values, political party and occupations are all contributing factors that can affect one's perception of a ‘funny’ moment.
Richman, J. The lifesaving function of humor with the depressed and suicidal elderly. Gerontologist 35(2): 271 (1995).
Joy Behar is an American writer, actor and stand up comedian. Whether Behar is performing on stage or interviewing celebrities and politicians, she has been recognized as an innovative comedic talent and a leading woman on television, stage and big screen. She is a co-host on the ABC daytime talk show “The View.” She hosted “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN from 2009 to 2011 and “Joy Behar: Say Anything! On Current TV,” from 2012 until the channel switched formats on August 2013. She conducted an interview with Nathan Lane, a stand up comedian and writer. The interview took place on Wed, Nov 18, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Its location was on 92nd street Y (92Y), a multifaceted cultural institution and community center located in
Feeling down and depressed? Laugh all those troubles away. Laughter is a simple yet substantial way of putting that little spring back in the step. When people say “Laughter is the best medicine,” what are they referring to? Laughing acts as calorie burner, prevents heart disease or other illnesses, can increase learning abilities and focus, or even bring a more optimistic outlook on life.
Some people use humor to hide from their real emotions. Using humor to help get through the difficult times is a lot different than using humor to hide from them.
The notion that women do not tell jokes or use explicit language is particularly interesting when examined in the context of drag queens; although a drag queen may try to sound like a woman, a key part of their humor and performance style is to use innuendo, jokes, and coarse language. Barrett (1998) cites an AADQ from Texas, introducing a male stripper in a gay bar:
If there is one way to bring a smile to someone’s face, it is laughter. Funny jokes, comical stunts, sarcasm- Every person is different when it comes to what makes them laugh. Some find dry humor comical. Others think sarcasm or joke-filled ranting are the best. ‘Comedy’ is such a broad term, broad enough to allow everyone to find something they find comical. In fact, ‘comedy’ includes a specific type of drama, one where the protagonist is joyful and happy endings are expected. Comedy is like a drug; it allows you to escape reality. When we say the word ‘comedy’ in the present, we are generally referring to a type of performance which provides humor. However, in its broadest sense, comedy has only one purpose: comedy makes people smile and