Lead Blog Post #10

I have never watched The Eric Andre Show, and it is most likely due to the endangered species that is cable television. Personally, I am more of a Between Two Ferns fan, which I honestly cannot come to believe is unscripted. For specific evidence, you can refer to a classic episode in which interviews

Hillary Clinton and Justin Bieber:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrkPe-9rM1Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XSEi1jTR58

These clips will have me on the floor, yes literally, for hours. Some of the comments these types of entertainers make have to be so shocking and pack quite a punch in terms of how offensive, racey, or edgy they are in order to succeed.  Personally, I could never see myself having the wit to refer to a presidential candidate as a pantsuit-wearing space alien or literally harass a guest who happens to be one of the biggest names in current pop culture. They simply have to play dirty to get those laughs at the inappropriate thoughts every single one of us has been sharing.

Lead Blog Response #5

To be honest I am just now catching up to this blog post. When I first read it I had been pretty unaware of Melaney as an entertainer, but over the past month or so I can admit to binging pretty much all of his Netflix specials. The first bit that hooked me was his confession of his fear of 13-year-olds, who of course know how to "make fun of you, but in an accurate way".

For Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3466z8Xsf0

Most recently I watched an absolutely hilarious piece of standup titled The Elder Millenial. I practically peed my pants. Iliza quite blatantly reveals a ladies' secrets, while single-handedly roasting the patriarchy as well. (Whoop Whoop!!!) Much like Melaney, she brings tiny interactions that create just enough self-deprecating senses of humor that regularly connect us to a group whether it be a gender, sexuality, age, or race.

For example:

Iliza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO9qW20H0uM

Trevor Noah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig_OuhBtUfs

Blog Post #11

After discovering the topic of this blog, I was e s t a t i c. I am a bit of an Elf enthusiast, it is even Andreassi family tradition to watch that movie on Black Friday and Christmas Eve, marking the start and end of the Christmas season. I relate to Buddy quite a bit, I share an affinity towards sugary desserts, activities such as bouncing on beds, and tend to go quite overboard with decorating. What I love about this movie so much is how much it makes me feel like a kid again. Despite in obvious superiority, Buddy is a beloved character whose energy is able to continually captivate audiences of all ages. 

Thought: in my lifetime at least I cannot characterize the new titling of a Christmas movie as a "classic". Everything was just there when I was at the age of the viewers. Since then has there been any really good new ones? What do you think gives something that classic, timeless quality that some treasured movies or series possess?

Copy and Paste if you dare: https://cv-insight.com/en/facebook/video_ranking/18565556 

Lead Blog Response #9

Friends "The One in Vegas: Part 1"

1) Overall Perceived Funniness: 8
2) Overall Reported Enjoyment: 5
3) Types of Humor Evident in the Episode:

• Putdown
• Slapstick
• Sarcasm
• Joking Socially
• Incongruity 
• People doing stupid things
• Naughty Humor

The Office "The Dundies"

1) Overall Perceived Funniness: 10

2) Overall Reported Enjoyment: 10

3) Types of Humor Evident in the Episode:

• Putdown Humor
• Slapstick 
• Satire
• Sarcasm
• Joking socially 
• Dark humor
• Naughty humor 
• Parody

Lead Blog Response #8

I am not going to lie, that clip made me a bit uncomfortable. I am not too sure if I am very intrigued or frightened. This paradox is what I am coming to realize is a key characteristic of memes, as addressed in the assigned reading article earlier this week in class. The awkward feeling aroused by looking at one of my childhood toys voiced over by a man making a stereotypical and even offensive female tone dropping words of profanity left and right is just uncomfortable enough to stir some laughter. The world of memes has opened up a whole new realm for a source of creativity that results in a globally shared network of humor. Maybe these millennials are on to something. . .

Lead Blog Response #7

Despite the general understanding that humor is based on jokes that are predominantly aimed to be light of heart and hold little value, humor actually holds quite a bit of weight in the human mind. I did some searching a little bit out of my comfort zone shifting from my interest in the brain and psychology to the mind and philosophy.  With some research (gold worthy and peer edited, if you ask me) I was able to happen upon an interesting blog post by Nicole Force M.A. She provides a chemical explanation of the human body's response to laughter resulting in the release of serotonin and endorphins which happens to be the effects of many popular antidepressant drugs. 

There is the possibility to "self-medicate" to an extent by exposing the mind to experiences that hold comedic value or create a level of enjoyment. This forced, yet natural boost in serotonin and endorphins enhances their ability to cope with "overwhelming emotion and taking control of a situation." If you ask me, this makes the ability to have a sense of humor a superpower that obviously has the power to sway the political views of an entire nation. What do you think this reveals about popular comedians or even the regular class clown? Comedians are willing to break boundaries and bring up what the average person tries to conceal (shoutout to the theory of incongruity). These taboo topics are then minimized and laughed at, the comedian has taken control and shed some light on a previously displeasing topic. 

Lead Blog Response #6

When it comes to being a fan of The Office, I can wholeheartedly agree with the statement that The Office is if not THE best, one of THE best television comedies to grace this world. Sorry Parks and Rec, 30 Rock, and Friends fans... A balance between all of the different types of humor is achieved through the larger than life characterization of each member of the Dunder Mifflin Team and those encountered along the way. Michael takes care of the dirty humor, racy jokes, and the occasional dad joke. The superiority theory has the ability to apply to a plethora of characters ranging from Erin to Andy, Dwight, Kevin, and Michael of course. Being a long-term viewer of the show I am very intrigued by the statement that this show's success was highly dependent on the political, social, and economic environment of the time. Humor is not something that I would initially associate with changing over time, but after some reflection, it seems more than plausible. With the inclined political climate of today's time jokes that were freely tossed around could upset audiences, but since it was directed and produced before these events that still makes it enjoyable to viewers today. I guess timing really is everything. Thankfully The Office was produced early enough that it can still crack the smiles of a wide span of ages, and be a general crowd pleaser today.