I've been re-watching Rodney Dangerfield on various Tonight Shows. He didn't show up as many times as Don Rickles, but was one of Johnny's favorite comedians, and often had Johnny nearly falling off his seat. Both Rodney and Don employed quirks shared laughter, and used one of the oldest sticks in comedy, that of self-deprecation's, It is politically correct to put yourself down, and there are no limits to the depth of ridicule, even wives and children are PC.
PC is a term that came into our culture in the late 70's; possibly local versions existed elsewhere, but the TV comedy of the 60's was filled with ethnic stereotypes and blonds had an open season of ridicule. It is a sign of maturity from my perspective, but one of consternation for living dinosaurs who can't see their own ways. The problems, that haunted the male chauvinist's, are slowly healing, but there are "open season" targets, and "blind spots" that still remain, "invisible" disabilities being one of the most hidden. Finally, there are always the 1st law of physics, "for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction". The success of Barbie, the attire and dance of Taylor Swift, are examples of the counter-counter-culture, the actions of the King and Madison Avenue. Again, as in an earlier blog, it is a question of laughing with, or laughing at. A mime likes to be laughed at, but most comedy seeks to have you laugh with the comic and the crowd.
While I was ADD, Asperger's and a slow learner in my youth. I spent many a class, sitting in the hall, or visiting the Vice-Principles. I was the target of teasing and bullying, especially K-4 grades, then the worm turned.
In the playground, and "after" school, the defense was hide, run or fight. As I got more cleaver, I started beating them to the punch. Self-deprecation. It lessoned the "pig pile" mentality of the kids who once circled like carrions in the sky. Funny thing is, that even in a very successful career of lecturing and public speaking, where I was featured, I still was in near constant self-deprecation mode. I enjoyed the laugh. Today's live pod cast is my tribute to the comedy of Rodney Dangerfield.
Comments