This morning I find myself in somewhat of a quandary. I watched the Star Search comedy winner last night and she was everything that society "claims" to dislike about comedy, but yet she got a perfect score. I'm no Trader Jorge but I would think that people would better respect clever, thought provoking humor than the regular, "whites do this, mexicans do that and blacks do this..." it is so frustrating. I have some of that stuff in my arsenal but would not and have not used it in a short (national TV) set. BET's Comicview has set black humor back many years in terms of creativity and respectability in the comedy club community, but yet that type of humor wins out on a national talent search. Although a little jealous, I am happy with where I am, the money I make and how much I am respected for being a smart, cross-over comedian. Is that enough to achieve national popularity? Help me out, what is comedy to you?
Comedy to me is the guys who really make you use your mind to find the humor. Two good examples are Steven Wright or George Carlin. You have to think to get it.
http://www.pavlovsdogentertainment.com/videos/washington.mpg That's the best thing that I have on the net (thanks SJC).
George C. Scott getting hit in the groin by a football. Honestly, it's so subjective that I'm not really sure what to tell you. Chris Rock and a few others can poke fun at the races, and do it well, but that's not something I want to hear much. I've seen you before, and along with Mike MacRae you're my favorite "local" commedian. Just be original and be smart, people will notice.
AB I totally agree with you about Comicview and for that matter Def Comedy Jam. I was at UT when Def Comedy Jam was in full swing and it used to piss me off that intelligent black students loved it so much. BTW, I'm black. The comedy is so juvenile most of the time. Both programs have produced some very good comedians, Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker, Ced the Entertainer, but for the most part, I really can't stand it. I don't know about what comedy is to me, but my favorite comedian is Robin Williams, because he insults any and everyone, he is smart, and he can do slapstick.
You watch star search?? The stand up comics on BET leave a lot to be desired. Thought provoking comedy is the way to go. Make people laugh and think at the same time.
Actually, other than a few politically charged routines, George Carlin has a lot of juvenile humor. He's still funny, though.
Sorry, no edit... Just wanted to add... Humor is: Bob Sagat when he used to be the dirtiest comedian in the business before Full House. Just seeing him on Full House, then seeing some of his old stand up routines...now that's Comedy!
Comedy died with Bill Hicks. Seriously; he was awesome, but I'm Buck. It just depends. Unfortunately, it also depends on me. What I'm up for at a given time. That's just the way it is.....which probably makes it difficult for guys in your proffession.
Have not seen your act, AB, but based on your postings around here, I think I'd enjoy it. The humor question is really tough. I love jokes that make me think, but the only time I've actually chuckled this morning was reading Buck's post about George C. Scott. Why is that funny to me? Absurdity is very funny, in my book. A pal of mine way back stood by the idea that "all humor is at the expense of someone." "How about puns," I said. "At the expense of the audience." So maybe she's right.
Richard Pryor. Early Eddie Murphy...especially when doing characters. Carlin. Seinfield. None of that crap on BET comedy jam. Speaking of Carlin...I saw him live once in Vegas a few years ago. He came out and the first thing out of his mouth was: "Ever notice that the women that are against abortion you wouldn't want to f*** anyway?" I mean the place just went nuts. That was how he opened his show. It was like getting hit in the face with a frying pan. I used to like Dice Clay in my younger years.
PSJ, i KNOW you are kidding, right???? Comedy is anything that makes me bust a gut laughing... Bob Saget is NOT comedy...
"i love it when some poor sap takes a fastball to the groin." can anyone tell me where i got this quote??
I can laugh at about any kind of humor. I love the guys who can do impersonations or other characters, keeps it entertaining. I can enjoy even someone like Andrew Dice Clay. Guess as long as their is humor in it and the person enjoys doing the humor (someone that you can tell has put some thought into the humor) then I can enjoy it. I am definetely not a PC person outside of the office, so I can definetely appreciate someone liek an Eddie Murphy just like a Seinfeld.
