my simpsonian beliefs

Coming into the Rhetoric of Humor and Satire class, I had no idea what I should expect. Initially, my first thought that I should just take this class in order to finish my credit for the English. Then, I was told by another student that this class was going to be fun and we were going to analyze why we find humor funny. Once the student brought this to my attention, it really opened my eyes and, so far, I am really happy I have taken this class. Each class we find something that is appealing to someone and we have a discussion on it.
I think opening up the class with a speech from the Inauguration was a great place to start as most of the people had watched it live while others actually attended the Inauguration live. Each person was able to bring in their own argument and beliefs to the discussion. When I watched the Reverend’s speech, at first I was unaware of the humor associated with it until I changed the channel after the Inauguration and saw another channel replaying the speech. The second time through I noticed the race incorporated in the speech. During the humor in Reverend’s speech, I wanted to make sure other people also found it funny. Once I heard the crowd in the background, I knew that I believe that people did not perceive the speech to be racist in any way as this election was monumental for the United States of America as an African American is elected to the White House. Americans accepted this as humor for the fact that all races are coming together in an effort the restore the American Economy. Another reason that I think that the humor was accepted in this context was the face that audience was in jovial state, and it did not seem like it would bother anyone if the Reverend discussed race as people in America are coming together.
When I first came into this class, I never realized why I find things funny. Then we started analyzing the humor and how it appeals to each individual. As class went on, I slowly began to realize which type of humor causes me to laugh. Of the three main theories, Superiority Theory, Incongruity Theory, and Release Theory, I think the most evident reason for my humor is the Superiority Theory. When I listen to comedians, I believe that a reason for most of the laughter seems to be more at the comedian rather than with the comedian. As Professor Katz pointed out, most of the comedians are, generally, less than average looking which causes much of the laughter. The audience also has a great deal with the reason why comedians always tend to do well, unless of course the comedian is just awful. The reason people attend
The other main reason for the cause of my laughter is by following the comedic rules. In the shows/movies that I enjoy the most, there seems to be a great deal of embarrassment or physical harm. Through the movies of Anchorman, and Zoolander, much of the humor involved is due to pure embarrassment. In Anchorman, all of the humor relates to the character of Ron Burgandy, played by Will Ferrell, and his stupidity and lack of common sense. This idea of the character of not being intelligent relates to the Superiority Theory about how I am laughing “at the messenger”; knowing that I am more intelligent than the character. In Zoolander, there is a similar idea to that of Anchorman. Each character of Zoolander is a male model, and it is safe to say that each one of the characters are not the smartest people in the world. Each model lacks common sense while frequently pronouncing words; Derek Zoolander, played by Ben Stiller, mispronounced eulogy as ugoogulee. These examples represent the Superiority Theory by laughing at the messenger.
Over the past two weeks of class, I have learned about a great deal about humor while learning which types of humor I find most entertaining. Before the class started, I did not realize why I enjoy humor, but now, as we have been analyzing humor, I have learned a great deal about humor. With the incorporation of other people in our class’ beliefs about humor, my total understanding of humor has greatly increased.

humor over the weekend and favorite movies

Over the weekend, I did not find myself laughing too much, well from what I could remember. The one big laugh I had over the weekend was when my buddy and two of my friends were walking back to my dorm from mather on Friday night. My friend was imitating one of my other friends, dare I say his imitation was not very good, and as he was walking he tripped over it seemed like a crack or rock. I thought he would be able to brace his fall since he is a fairly athletic kid, however, he failed to stick his arms out and the first part of his body to touch the ground was his chest. Luckily, the kid was not hurt severely, but he did walk away with a scratch or two. This humor reminded me of the inconcrugruity theory as it was a surprise to see and athletic boy be so unathletic during his fall. Another reason why it made me laugh was because of the embarrassment and physical pain as told in the Comedic rules.

Favorite movies and Shows:
Two and a Half Men
Entourage
Wedding Crashers
Anchorman
Zoolander
Friends
King of Queens

Debauchery

Why did I think that my joke was funny? I began to think why exactly I enjoyed it, and the only logical idea I had is that it relates to the college experience; something that see (debauchery) every weekend and I could completely agree with the comments made during the joke. Part of the enjoyment of the joke relates to the Comedic Theory rule. The joke made references to physical pain, sexual references, fear of death and embarrassment. I believe that I am most able to relate to these topics, which, in the end, make me laugh the most.
In a way, I was able to relate to my self to the Superiority Theory. When I am around drunken individuals, I feel as if I am their superior. Their inability to make conscience decisions, and me have the ability to laugh at their decision making process and the final outcome.

What makes me laugh?

To be honest, until class I had never thought of why is I enjoy humor. This made me think of the movies and shows that I really enjoy. When I was younger, my favorite show was The Simpsons and other similar cartoons. Nowadays, the shows and movies that grab my attention is Two and a Half Men, Wedding Crashers and 40-year old Virgin. Once I thought of the shows/movies that intrigue me, I couldn't think of the reasons why I enjoy them, other than the humor. I couldn't think of the reasons of why they may be funny, or the reasons that they are funny. I could only think that they are funny is because the may either relate to my life, or the fact that they make fun of people's lives and how each character goes about attempting to change their lifestyle.