Mrinmayee Sama (Week 3) - Stand-Up Comedian Much?
Mrinmayee Sama - Week 3
Stand-Up Comedian Much?
So obviously you have read my blog posts before and you've probably noticed that I use humor a lot lol. I do this mostly because blog posts are where I can use an informal tone in APENG. Also let's be serious, reading something that is funny and makes you laugh is way better than reading some content-dense material. For example, I'd look at memes all day long, but if you ask me to read a president's speech, UHM I'm good, thank you though. Well, this isn't really a fair comparison because obviously, a speech takes way more energy and time to understand than a meme. But, you get it right? Back to what I was saying, being funny is a personality I look for in people because it just makes my life better to hang out with people who have the same humor as me. Now, who does this for a living?
If you look up what stand-up comedians do, there is a high chance you will probably find that they are paid to entertain the audience with a story. How would they do that? Yea that's right with humor. But humor isn't the only factor that makes them well, them lol. Their body language (OMG I tied language and power together, wow so uncalled for actually) also allows for them to succeed in their job. For example, if a stand-up comedian made a joke and your friend makes the same joke, you'd probably think your friend is stupid and doesn't have a life (hitting home harder than I expected actually...) Now, why is this? Well, I think it's the fact that the comedian is supposed to crack jokes and they're just doing their job by making us laugh, but on the other hand, you're not really obliged to laugh at your friend's joke. Let's take this a step further. In a way, the comedian has the power to "allow" you to laugh and have a good time you know? POWER woohoo yay. wow, that was a really far-fetched idea. I'll end this blog post here but before that a question: What do you think about this topic? (pls be honest I really do not mind)
Comments
I think this is very unique take, and I think it is interesting how you were able to successfully tie these two ideas together. I do agree that it is far easier to read something that is written informally, rather than something that is formal. Natural humor is fun, just as stand up comedy, however one thing I think separates them is how natural humor has to be created on the spot whereas stand up comedy can be prepared. This way, the comedians have time to think through their jokes and have them make sense. However, stand up comedy sometimes loses the genuine spark, so in a sense, natural humor can be better.
I hadn’t thought about the fact that having the career title of “comedian” would make people more obligated to laugh at them; in that sense, your blog was a very interesting read! It’s not exactly the work of humor alone when it comes to comedians, but their credibility as a comedian. I also find it astonishing that people are able to build careers based on whether they can be funny to an audience or not. Those who are naturally funny without it seeming “forced,” have the capacity to become great stand-up comedians.
-Angel
I love watching comedians. They usually make for really good meme material and hilarious animatics. One of my favorite comedians is Bo Burham. One of the things that I like the best about him is that he integrates comedy within songs and theatrical performances. One of his most recent songs out of his new show is about Jeffrey Bezos; this song is a satirical poke at the nature of how the rich keep on getting richer, and how Jeffrey Bezos is a prime example of this. I love this song, as it is unbelievably catchy and presents a noteworthy message. (However, I must admit that all of his songs and jokes are not very PG and are often offensive sounding, so search at your own discretion). To answer your question, I agree that comedians have the power to make you laugh and have a good time.
I love that you are trying to incorporate humor in blogs like that is such a good move. (I am trying to too low key). To me, sometimes comedians are a bit awkward but with good delivery, I think that it just works well and if they are able to confidently make back up punch lines. Stand-up comedians are honestly quite talented, especially because they have to do so much public speech.
First of all, such an interesting topic to talk about! I personally am a fan of stand up comedians and admire them for what they do. Most, I have seen don't require or bring a script to the talk but basically use the audiences knowledge and engage with the audience. Jokes are best at work when they are simple, small and engages or relates to the audience as well. It is all about quick thinking and the capturing of their audience.
I enjoyed reading your post. I thought your point on how our expectation that the comedian is funny causes us to find their jokes more hilarious was very interesting. Many sitcoms have canned laughter (fake laughter) for that reason. It has been found that having canned laughter makes the audience more likely to laugh, so producers add canned laughter to the show to make the audience enjoy the show more. It is interesting to see how even though we don’t consciously realize it, we are still “allowing others to have power” over us simply through our expectations.
You did a great job relating humor as a form of language to power! It would honestly be so fun for someone who made jokes for a living. A stand up comedian’s job just requires the person to be humorous, make their audience laugh, and relate to them as well. I used to love watching comedians such as Gabriel Iglesias or Preacher Lawson, who are very famous comedians. They amass hundreds of thousands of followers on social media solely based on vidoes of their comedies going viral on social media. Humor is very powerful to the point you can make a living out of it.
Sincerely,
Faith Tong