It's can be interesting to see how often, even in this country, we let ourselves forget the (literally) hilarious number of different viewpoints and cultures present. To more people than we may think, all books are, are things forced on them by boring classes and monotone, dead-eyed teachers. Those of us lucky enough to know how to enjoy reading can very easily disassociate themselves from these people. In many cultures, it may seem like books are a common thing, a sign of intelligence and curiosity, hence why it is so easy to find the idea of someone, not just asking about someone reading, but criticizing another for reading, so amusing. The comedian largely uses two major comedic appeals to the audience: expectation-subversion humor, and in-group vs. out-group humor. Initially he focuses on emphasizing the oddity of the waitress' comments, by presenting it in a manner that accentuates the cultural difference between the audience and comedian, and the waitress. This is expectation subversion, because the audience doesn't expect someone to find it so odd for a person to be reading, let alone to suggest tv as an alternative. He later even compounds the already odd situation by introducing another character (the trucker) that seems to share the waitress' 'absurd' mindset. This addition allows for a group to be formed. As he progresses through the story, attention is shifted to the other appeal: jabs at this group, which has been presented as an out-group. By implying the inferiority and primitiveness of the group he was joking about, he attempted to appeal to his in-group. Humor walks a thin line between making a person's day, and ruining it. Though it is easy to criticize comedians for belittling groups just to make people laugh, it also worth noting that many comedians use 'phantom' groups (basically fictional groups) that are purposefully manufactured to minimalize the amount of people who feel targeted. In the end, humor is more often than not, founded in the simple desire to make others happy, just take that into consideration, and show tactfulness in your handling of jokes that you find offensive; few make jokes to others just to offend them.
Nowadays, I think most humor is the opposite of tactful. I really enjoy watching comedy specials on Netflix, such as Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and Jeff Dunham. These men, while very funny, are not exactly tactful. Even Jeff Dunham, who is the more “family friendly” of the bunch, touches on sensitive subjects. They joke about race, politics, and religion, which are basically the top three most offensive topics to talk about. Even in popular television shows you see the same kind of tactless humor, such as South Park. There is a very thin line between funny and offensive and comedians have certainly crossed that line before. Catzfuhdays789
I really appreciate your insight on how for so many, books really aren't those things of wonder and joy that they are for those of us that were privileged enough to grow up in an environment that permitted us to explore them and come to love them. I work at a library, and all the time, I see parents pushing and pushing at their children to read certain books, strictly following certain guidelines. Heaven forbid you read the same book twice! Favorites don't exist! This doesn't even begin to cover the school system, that churns out 'classics' that many students can't relate to, understand, or particularly bring themselves to care about. Dickens was paid by installment, folks. Humor and tact is also such a hotly debated subject. I think especially when satire is brought up, because that's a razor thin wire, and a lot of comedians like to do the ballet across it. Buwowski222
We all have that one something that just bores us to death. Mine happens to be anything sci-fi related, the thought just causes me to yawn. And this is where the motto too each its own come into play....as well as individuality a person is entitled to watch and laugh at whatever it is they choose, let us hope that it doesn't hurt any feelings and is done in a tactful manner. In my opinion our backgrounds depict how we take jokes and how we dish them whether it be humorous, offensive, or both. I know a family whom should quit their day jobs to become comedians, well not really as they are always joking and claim their is usually some truth to the jokes with even a few jabs thrown in every once in a while. But because it is "their norm" they can easily laugh certain topics off that others may find offensive. Others outside of there family unit may not get away with the same sarcasm or offensive jokes. Nonetheless your post was written very well with great points made. At last, laughter is good for the soul and sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying but never should jokes be used to intentionally hurt feelings, friend, foe, or complete stranger. mommyoftwo789
I agree with you on this. No matter who you are, nobody’s feeling should be hurt intentionally. In order to know how a person is going react to any joke, depends on where they come from, their cultural background, and what their life is like at home. Everyone has their own way of telling jokes and they are all different. I, in my opinion, thought the video was funny in a way. But when it comes to jokes, spare other feelings. It’s always important to have joy in life. Schmidt789
I agree no ones feelings should get hurt during a joke. If someone gets hurt I feel they are taking it to personal or they just have no sense of humor. As for myself I grew up where my mother never joked or laughed much, so I'm a serious person. When I met my fiance he has taught me to lighten up. He jokes with everyone the first time he joked with my mother I almost feel over because she actually laughed. Remember humor is everywhere it is known globally. I think laughing, jokes,and humor help live a normal and happy life. -Gander789
I also agree with you on this. There were a few things in this video that I found mildly entertaining, but for the majority of the video, I just felt as though he was simply judging and making fun of both the waitress and the trucker in the diner. I mean, let’s face it, we all do some pretty stupid things from time to time, and many of us (I know I do) like to make fun of family and close friends for doing similar silly things, but when strangers do something silly, to me it appears like a person is seriously making fun of them and implying that they are somehow better than that other person because they think themselves to be better and more intelligent. – Thanos789
I have always been interested in reading. Back in middle school, I was given a reading list for over Summer vacation and I would read not only those books, but multiple others. My grandma and I made trips to the library together, which was one of my favorite things to do. Even now, I could spend hours in my local library skimming through books and videos. Reading has always been an integral part of my life, so the question “what are you reading for” is very peculiar. In my groups of peers, we recommend books to each other and have even gone to the library and Barnes and Nobles together. My family and peer groups have strengthened this trait. What if, however, my family and peer groups were more interested in television? Would I still read as much as I do? In the video, both the waitress and another customer were surprised about the fact that the speaker was reading. Education levels, interests, and other environmental factors can influence if someone were to read for leisure. Even if something seems so normal to you, it might not be to others. The other thing mentioned in the video is the news. Personally, I am terrified of the “end of the world,” such as nuclear war, a devastating volcanic eruption, or a meteor hitting the planet. I am a very sheltered and nervous person, which I can admit. So, when the comedian mentioned how terrifying the news is, I was nodding my head along with him. My heart races whenever I watch the news, because lately the news is scary! There was an earthquake, tsunami, tropical storm, two hurricanes, shootings, nuclear war threats, and just about everything else that terrifies me. Watching the news is too crippling, so I keep as updated as I NEED to be. My grandparents watch the news almost constantly at their house, so I try to occupy myself with my phone or conversation instead. Catzfuhdays789
I agreed with you that “if something seems so normal to you, it might not be to others.” And different people understand and interpret things differently. When the speaker talked about the waitress questions him for reading, I understand it different than what you understand, I think the speaker was point to the way the waitress asking question because the waitress is using different gramma while you understand that the waitress doesn’t understand why the speaker is reading book. Maybe because I’m the English learner. Your understand is different from what I understand but it also educated me to see the things from different perspective. To be honest, my family and I don’t like to watch tv much, especially news. I know that there are many disasters and terrible things happen in our country right now. I’m feel lucky when I’m not in those state that have to experience through these. I’m not feel nervous or scare because these terrible things on the news were not happen around me. (Maybe it will later) You don’t realize the serious of the situation was until you step in it. Thank again for my fortunate. Zero789
I manage my hard news intake as well. Especially politics, they can get too intense, and too personal, and I often find myself needing to take a step back to breathe and re-center. All the bad in the world can sometimes overshadow the good, and we're only human. Our anxiety and anger and negative emotions win out all the time. There's sunshine right outside our windows and a hurricane inside our heads, because that's all we've been seeing, on the news, online, in the papers. As for the question 'What if?' I wondered that too. It made me think of what we discussed in class, about how we construct our own realities. I too, was a reader. In fact, I met up with friends in Barnes and Noble- truly the mall of our generation- and we would get coffee and I'd grab a book or a journal. If we'd gone to the movies as a group, maybe I'd be skating through my film class instead of cramming late into the night thinking about lighting and panoramic shots. People are the foundation of society. Each individual constructs their own reality with the choices they make. You chose to go to the library. The waitress in Bill Hick's video watches tv. So you keep the library running and keep me in a job, and she keeps the media that gives you and me so much trouble in business. Cogs in a machine. Contributing to the greater picture.
I like what you were saying about managing your hard news intake. I honestly thought I was the only one who did that. All of my friends and everyone I know for that matter is always so caught up on what is going on in our society and I feel like I am always the last one to catch up. Although most of the things we hear about on the news and in the media these days don’t necessarily affect me directly. It is still very stressful to hear about just knowing that it could happen and it is happening to someone else.Whtie789
I agree with you on the whole reading thing. I, when I was younger, was also very interested in reading. I would love to read but I had to be interested in it. I couldn’t read anything. But if it caught my eye, I would read and read as much as I could in one day. I used to read a whole series in a week. So, I think our reading skills are still very important than just learning how to skim through paragraphs to find what you are looking for. Schmidt789
I can get where you are coming from. It’s pretty common for people to develop ‘tastes’ in entertainment from raw exposure. It’s possible that my preferences would also be different, if my environment was different as well. However, not too many people seem to truly grasp this concept. It’s all too easy to forget about the branches in our own paths, and how different the present and future could have been, had we taken a different route. Did we reach who we are now through intention, or necessity? Have we really learned on our own to enjoy the things we do, or have we simply been trained to enjoy them? It’s almost pointless to ask. No matter the answers, we will seek to make the things we enjoy our own, as we see ourselves reflected in our preferences.
Cultural different are something unique. As long as every person are different, there are cultural different. Cultural are wide and weird. From the way we speak to the tradition we follow. People from different cultural will see each other are weird because they can’t understand the value and meaning of each person cultural. Like the example of the speaker, the waitress asked him what are you reading for? And he was shock because what the waitress asked him is not what he usually hear from people and not what he is expecting to hear. The waitress may be come from different country and don’t know that she is using the wrong way of asking or it may be her own cultural way of asking. I think the waitress also shock when she saw his reaction because his reaction may not what she was expecting to answer her question. Many similar cases happen every moment whenever there are two different culture meet together, we just don’t show it out because we have been taught to be respect. Especially in United State, the melting pot of many ethnic, I still feel shock sometime when I saw someone acting different than what I expected, shocked form the different languages people spoke to the clothes people wear. Cultural norms are the pattern of behavior which the groups of same cultural people share and follow unconsciously. Such as most people walk toward not backward, people wait in line, people shake hand with each other. People from different countries can share the same norms or people from the same house can have different norms. Cultural norms were based on what we believe as moral and normal way of what we behave in society around us, it was form by many facts like the person background, environment, nations, religion. And we learn them when we just the baby, we see culture norms from our parents, from friend, from the stranger on television or on the road. Cultural norms became something in our mind that “we supposed to act this way”, “it’s so embarrassed when I do this”. Some people recognize these norms and try to make change of it, but they end up making the funny joke. People laugh at those change because the joke was so different from what they believe was normal. Each culture has their unique norms and thus there are different meaning of joke. The joke makes one-person laugh doesn’t mean everybody can understand the meaning of it and laugh, because the joke was based on cultural norms! I tried to change the norms once time and it feel hard. It not the work hard, it just I don’t want people to think me weird or crazy. Just s admired those can brave enough to change it. Zero789
I noticed that in the video the way the waitress asked the man “What are you reading for?” however I didn’t think of it that she may be from a different culture/language and that in her country she was asking him “What are you reading?”. Good catch on your part. Yes I agree with you now that I’m seeing it from your perspective. The waitress may have been trying to be kind and have small talk, and instead her mistake in the customer’s eyes made her seem uneducated. I agree jokes in one country would not be accepted or understood in another country. And jokes in general can back fire and cause more pain than good even within a person circle of friends. AnimalLover789
In modern American society we associate books with intellect and sophistication, and television and film with relaxation and often, turning off our brains for a little while. This absolutely stupefies me, because as a child, there was no better way to get me in trouble than to put a book in front of me. I would read it in class. I would read it while walking. I would hide a book in my hymnal in church, so help me God. If I asked a kindergarten kid what 'smart' looked like, chances are, they'd draw me a kid with glasses and a book, not a television screen, not a smartphone. Though, hey. Ten years from now, who knows, maybe I'd be getting pictures of a kid with laser surgery and an Ipad. Technology. Technology, and that evolution, separates us. That can be intimidating. If you normally watch a show with your cup of joe, and you see some stranger reading Kafka, you're going to think that there's some area 51 type activity going down in the neighborhood. It's not a friendly feeling. Human beings have a historic tendency to react to those that are different by lashing out. In small ways, with snipes and jabs and maybe cold coffee with spit in it (watch out, Bill Hicks), or in big ways, like war and news anchors who smile at us with way too many teeth and then proceed to give us a skewed version of current events. (I'm looking at you CNN). Hicks is right. Watching the news for too long makes you look at the world like the war is right there at your doorstep. You see bombs in your driveway when all there is to see is cement and gravel. You see famine everywhere, all the ills in the world, and it's hard to turn it off, or tune out. It fills you up and weighs you down and you want to help, but that's hard when you're capable of little things at the most. So you turn on Ellen and you fill up on kittens and puppies and you shovel glitter on top of all the graves stuck in your head. Guess you gotta do something for fun and laughs, right? That's why we have comedians, after all.
I do agree that the "norm" has changed so much over the years. We used to think the "smart kids" were the ones reading the books. Nowadays, the kid reading the book could be classified as many things other than the smart kid. He could be the poor kid, because he cannot afford an ipad, iphone, laptop, or even just the internet for that matter. He could be just the nerdy kid who likes to be different and doesn't want to have his face in his smartphone all day long like most kids these days. What if he has a vision disorder and is unable to use technology with a screen? This is a perfect example of social stereotypes and why we should think twice about judging others. MommaJ789
I appreciate your point of view, Buwowski. It is interesting to see that you associate technology with intellect, moreso than books nowadays. And I would have to agree. It's important to not that this comedy bit was from the 80's though, where most knowledge was found in books. I like what you said about CNN and news in general. It is easy to see the world in quite a dismal point of view if you get sucked in to these ways. This is why we have comedy! To lighten up the mood an make jabs at different social norms. I think a lot of people in this thread may have taken things too personal... QuinkThick789
Starting off this blog, I wanted to say how funny this guy is. I really enjoyed watching this video. By the first few jokes he had said, he had given us good examples of how important education is to all of us. It is very important to learn all of these skills like reading and witting because that, in a way, effects how you will end up later on in your life, like your career for example. All of these skills that you may think are simple tasks that you don’t need can affect you in the long run. Technology has effected in in many ways. Both good and bad. We all rely on it way too much, more than what we should. All of the younger generation are losing several important skills that we need to be successful in the future. Being unsocial plays a huge part in what technology has done to our society today. And going on to what he also discussed, there are way too many issues going on in the World nowadays. Anytime you turn on the news, there is always something negative going on. We are in a World filled with hatred towards one another. And in my opinion, technology plays a part in that as well. Many years ago, before we had improved in technology, before it was even a thing, life was simpler. There weren’t as much crime as there is now. Life today, has changed so much since then and not for the best, in my opinion. We need to interact more and socialize. A lot of issues happen on social media that shouldn’t, for example cyberbullying has been a huge issue when it comes to suicide. Schmidt789
I agree that the younger generation is losing so many skills that will help them in their future. My example is reading an actual book might be considered weird. Most young people read on a computer device. Yes I think that the people who are in charge of CNN are the ones pushing this negative information into our homes and minds. What are their motives for doing this? I believe there are definitely personally interests. I like the example that Mr. White gave in class regarding the young ladies that were kept captive by the man in their neighborhood. These young ladies hadn’t been free for very long and media was right there wanting to do interviews. It made the young ladies look uneducated and sad, very confused by what was happening. I definitely think our media is part of the problem with our race issues within the United States in recent years. Yes cyberbullying scares me so much, I have a 10 year old niece and my sister is keeping her off of social media for as long as she possibly can. Great post!!! AnimalLover789
Although this video was only four minutes long give or take, it had quite a few references to cultural norms in it. But what are cultural norms exactly? Well, cultural norms are basically just the normal attitudes and patterns of behavior that a given group exhibits. For example, the waitress who was described to be not-so-classy and the weird truck driver seemed caught off guard by the fact that he was reading a book rather than just "flipping on the tube". We can gather from this that reading for entertainment is not something they do in that specific group of given people, maybe it is that specific town or that part of the state or whatever the situation might be. However, it is quite obvious that neither side of this conversation was looking at this situation as a cultural norm situation, so their responses may have come off as rude. With the growing rate of sensitivity in today's society, it is becoming more and more important that we watch what we say and how we address things when conversing with other people. This is something that I personally, have noticed, especially in the past few years. I also like to add that I like what he says about watching the news. He explains it in a very funny way but he is right, our news is always full of such negative things it seems. Personally, I have stopped watching the news, not because I am not interested in what is going on with our society, but because the events of today's world are actually very stressful and frightening to me. Call me sensitive, but it brings me down to hear that such negative things are happening around us and there really is not much we can do to stop it. I feel that if we all tried to understand and respect each others cultural norms we would all get along a lot better, and that right there would make a big difference in our society. -NIKE789
I can definitely relate to you about the news. It is very negative at times and frightening, but I watch it now for information to see if I can help in anyway make it a positive. For an example the st. Jude run every year on the news they talk about this huge event and remind you its not about you its for the kids, they need you. It's always melted my heart. I've never ran it myself but would like to next year my aunt every year raises 1,000 dollars and runs Pekin to Peoria. So the news can be scary but you have to realize that life is scary the news just give you information most of us need to know. -Gander789
I can totally relate to this because I love reading so much and people always ask me how can you do that I could never read a book I always wait for the movie. But like I lived kind of outside of the cultural norm because the norm was not to read books and just wait for the movie to come out but me I was the excat opposite I would much rather read then wait for the movie and most of the time for me the book was much better then the movie. And like this video was literally my life like people would always ask me whats the point in reading watch the movie or my favorite was books are boring. But books in my opinion are one of my favorite things in the world because they can take you to a different place outside of where you are. But the video also shows the different way people can think of one single thing and how often times we try to make others feel bad because they like something that we don't find appealing or interesting and we do that often times as a society. Which isn't fair because everybody should be allowed to like what they like at least in this context without being judged or made fun of because they like to read or they like to play the flute or whatever it may be that person likes and we shouldn't try to force or opinion or perspective onto that person because part of being in a society is that we all have different views and preferences when it comes down to certain things like reading the book or watching the movie, listening to music or making music. But this is what helps shape us as a society Buttercup 789
I also relate to the book part because I love reading as well, I like to read the book and then watch the movie, usually the book is always better. The worst part about books is when you get so in to them and when you are done you wonder what you are supposed to do now. It is crazy how people can take one simple thing as reading a book and turn it in to this big thing making a person feel as if they are not doing something correctly or acceptable when in reality all he was doing was trying to get some food and read a book. EPIC789
I could not imagine someone asking me why you reading? or why don't you just watch the tube? I would just look confused because its normal to read to me anyways. Like the chart in our book states the less education you have the more t.v. you watch. I think you see this first hand in our ghettos or low income places. Not because people are stupid or anything of the sort they are just uneducated. I don't think everybody realizes how important education is. Talking about this reminds me of the movie the blind side. The young man Sandra Bullock took in was use to how he lived no bed, eviction notices, and not being able to read. Everyone thought he was stupid but he was far from stupid. He just didn't no how to read, because of one persons belief in him he went to college and got a football scholarship. Could you imagine watching the news and seeing stories like that everyday? Instead we see destruction, death, and corruption. I always thought this same thing when I watched the news but, there are good things that come with the news. Like the movie, we do hear stories like that time to time. Another example, is the charity runs like St. Jude. In everything in life there are negatives and positives you just have to look at it at different perspectives. Now that I'm older and have a family I enjoy and am thankful I have the news to inform me whats going on in the world. -Gander789
I also watched the movie the blind side with my family after dinner some years ago. That true story was amazing. This movie shows exactly in what I believe, Leverage, I always say that the stronger should educate and coach to the weaker to be stronger, and to build a more successful society, but weaker have to have the burning desire, and persistence to go for the success. Stronger should think that the weaker have their own potential to be part of the stronger community.
It would be great to hear more frequently stories like this one instead Constant Negative News. We need to live in a healthier and a better world, but we need to select carefully what we see, what we listen, and what we read, and part of all that is also what kind of humor we are seeing, and listening. I like the positive humor, because it makes us laugh, and it is a source of happiness the_soccer_league789
A agree it is normal to read, however, in some places of the world it is not. Places of lower income may see no point in reading because they never did in school so why would we know. It's a sort of culture shock because as as you even said you’d be amazed if someone asked you that. However the people in the diner would be just as amazed if you suggested reading instead of watching TV. Navajo789
I also agree that reading is normal in America and other English speaking countries, however in other countries it is rare to see someone reading or just reading in general not because they don't like reading but because reading materials are not available or reachable. So when someone asks you "what are you reading for" it is very weird because what you are doing is already self explained. Ria789
Although this video was only four minutes long give or take, it had quite a few references to cultural norms in it. But what are cultural norms exactly? Well, cultural norms are basically just the normal attitudes and patterns of behavior that a given group exhibits. For example, the waitress who was described to be not-so-classy and the weird truck driver seemed caught off guard by the fact that he was reading a book rather than just "flipping on the tube". We can gather from this that reading for entertainment is not something they do in that specific group of given people, maybe it is that specific town or that part of the state or whatever the situation might be. However, it is quite obvious that neither side of this conversation was looking at this situation as a cultural norm situation, so their responses may have come off as rude. With the growing rate of sensitivity in today's society, it is becoming more and more important that we watch what we say and how we address things when conversing with other people. This is something that I personally, have noticed, especially in the past few years. I also like to add that I like what he says about watching the news. He explains it in a very funny way but he is right, our news is always full of such negative things it seems. Personally, I have stopped watching the news, not because I am not interested in what is going on with our society, but because the events of today's world are actually very stressful and frightening to me. Call me sensitive, but it brings me down to hear that such negative things are happening around us and there really is not much we can do to stop it. I feel that if we all tried to understand and respect each other's cultural norms we would all get along a lot better, and that right there would make a big difference in our society.White789
I’ve been living in USA only some years, and I still can not find humorous many jokes. Anyway, I do not watch television at all, but watching the video I can see that the comedian built a joke based on a true experienced when a waitress ask him, what he was reading for? The way he performed the joke using funny facial expressions and repeating constantly why the waitress ask him that kind of question, tells me that he was upset, and surprised that someone can not understand why someone was reading a book. My perception is that, as a comedian, he ridicules the waitress and shows her as a low-culture person. Previously he joked about the “waffle house” when he says “after the show I go to a waffle house, I’m not proud of it, I’m hungry”, that tells me that he ridicules a waffle house, because it is not a right place to go to eat. He is using humor as a vehicle to show that reality in the country.
On the other hand, he also use humor to show how bad and depressing is to watch the CNN headlines news. I learned few years ago that CNN means Constant Negative News. I think we need to be informed citizens, but what is very negative is when the media sensationalize the news creating fear in the audience. After watching this video I understand more that humor is a way to see the world in a different way and also as a “bridge” to know the reality of another culture. the_soccer_league789
It is really a matter of how some of us are just centered in what we want in instead of what it is. I think everyone has it’s own challenges in life and the fact that people is just trying to make their point across without even taking in consideration others perspectives just like the nowadays politics are developing but I wont get to talk about politics since the media do it for us and injustice continue happening because of the close-minded approach to everything such as education, immigration, race, and equality. just to mention some since there is a lot more to talk about. I think if we get to be kind to one another things would be a lot better at accepting that we all are human beings that live, love, eat, sleep… etc. just like anyone else. Koi789
It was cool how he built his jokes around his experience through the waffle house, so it was related to him, he wouldn't mind if it was offensive because it was about himself. Also if you didn't understand his jokes you would understand through his facial expressions because they were funny and the sounds he made. Ria789
The video talks the norms of certain things by using humor as the key to point it together. When he compares the stereotype of people whose eating at a roadside dinner but when he was at a waffle house after he got from work. When he the picture is for those have trouble at reading. When say the thing s like they are from a stereotype of someone who cannot read as well as someone who read all the time than watching tv . like he uses comedy about thing like people who have trouble reading the menu. the waitress probly thought he be watching something on something and was surprised that he chose a book while the trucker thought that the same thing as the waitress. When he said which show that stereotypes can be funning be the response of the people and by doing the sound which can be used as a way to show the comedy of life when he act like a person that have a side that is a norm and a side that other do not get if they are from someone else and shows that peple can have multiple of way of acting which can be use as comedy the he make fun of CNN that people take it too real and that news is more violent and negative information and that the smile they have is fake. And that they must sleep with someone to really care about the information. And the information is the same every day which came be a comedy stand point which is a good a way to show the norm in every day life. News is major influence of like and that it is they have basically the same information day and day out , so he infused what people do is norm as a comedy point.gamer789
It is a little bit annoying when people ask obvious questions to things that are actually happening and are evident. The culture behind that, I think it has to be with the fact that people is just trying to be friendly, but in the process don't think about what they are asking and think that by asking if you are reading while you are reading this will be probably appealing to you. I can’t stop thinking about the academic factor, he is obviously making fun of the waiter due to her “ignorance” – inferred from the video. He doesn't know if this waiter had the opportunity or the fortune to be able to go to school and be educated at the same level that he is, or in the same instance the truck driver. I think that he is the one making himself to be perceived as ignorant as well for being so closed-minded. This video was supposed to be some type of comedy but I personally didn't laugh and I was able to recognize that we all can be “ignorant” at times when it comes to “getting in to someone else’s shoes”. Of course I get annoyed about this questions that are obvious but I try to be as kind and respectful as I can be so that I can treat others the same way I like to be treated. I just want to highlight the fact that my intentions are to offend anyone in the contrary this are things we all do sometimes without even noticing that we are doing it. Koi789
I agree with you on this. I found a few points mildly entertaining, but for the most part, I feel like he was just judging and making fun of the waitress and the trucker in the diner. I absolutely agree with you that we all do dumb things, and often times we like to make fun of friends for doing similar silly things. But when it comes to strangers, to be seriously making fun of them and implying that you are somehow better than they are because you think yourself to be more intelligent proves otherwise to me. – Thanos789
Humor can be made out of most cultural differences. In the video it is the difference between a person who reads, and people who do not read. The way the waitress responded to her customer reading at his table shows that she is not an avid reader. Most likely she did not read much growing up, and hints that she does not live in an area where people read at restaurants. She responded with disbelief and just stated that he turn the tv on instead of reading. This is just one example of the difference in cultural norms. He was outcast from the group at that restaurant because he read instead of watched TV. Even within our own country there are differences between people. In this example it could have even been people of the same race but different culture. People of lower income who did not go to secondary schooling are more likely to read less. Therefore it would be a shock to them to see someone reading in front of them. Examples like this can be used everywhere, and it doesn’t have to be what you are doing but what is said. Go down south and ask for a soda and someone might look at you funny. He pronounce it pop. All of these differences make up different cultures within a country. Even smaller societies, he may be eating in a town of lower income because in his story a man behind him mentioned a comment about him reading, therefore showing that the whole town may have been in shock that he was reading. Navajo789
I really enjoy the way you expressed the different ways in which the comedian and the waitress have cultural differences. It is amazing to see how many different cultures there are by just traveling a couple miles out of town. People who live there may not do things the same and may see normalcy differently as well. The face that the comedian immediately assumed because the waitress was commenting on his reading habits, of both the book and the menu, that she did not that high quality of education. That may not have been the case with her, but from his cultural views that is what he saw because it is different than where he came from. MelRich895
Watching T.V. is rather than picking up a book and reading is becoming more and more common with every generation to come. When I was younger, I grew up in the middle of nowhere with a minimum of three channels even though we had a satellite as tall as our house in the back yard. My sister and I were either outside going on all kinds of adventures or sitting around reading about other kinds of adventures. Reading is how people get through everyday life, but presently people do not take their time to read through a menu or carries a with them book to read while in a restaurant eating a meal. It could be possible that where Bill Hicks went to have a waffle, people do not really that often, and in of all places, at a restaurant. It may be his norm, but obviously not theirs. When he starts speaking about people shouting “revolution” in one part of the world and in the other part they are yelling “evolution,” it is almost as if one part of the world starts doing it the other part sees it and is influenced to do the same thing. If one starts, the others tend to follow even if it is not completely true. Because of this fault and the meaning behind some protests is lost, it can be easily turned into a joke. CNN is known to be the number one broadcaster of worldwide news, and mainly they are the givers of bad news. As he said it is mainly about war, death, depression etc., while other news broadcasting seems to have more uplifting reports from around the world. It just shows that it all depends on the point of view and culture. With comedians, if something strange or when they experience that culture shock they tend to turn it into a joke and share it with those who are in that same culture. It is truly amazing to see how even humor changes from one culture to another. MelRich895
Bill Hicks definitely has some humorous points in this video, but it seems like as he’s trying to be funny, he’s also taking aim to make fun of people without an education, and/or people who he thinks aren’t as smart as he is. I understand that this is a free country, but making fun of people shouldn’t be tolerated much more than bullying. To me personally, it clearly does not appear that Bill Hicks was having a simple case of culture shock. It sounds like he was expecting the waitress in that particular area to understand and accept his ways regardless if they were similar to her own cultural ways of living or not. And the same thing happened again when the trucker made the comment about having another reader.
When discussing watching CNN, he stated that Jane Fonda should have sex with Ted Turner so that he could watch some decent news that wasn’t completely horrible tragedies, violence, or death. This seems exactly hypocritical because he was making fun of the waitress who suggested he watch television instead of reading a book. To find out what is going on in the news, he could easily read a newspaper or get on the internet. Don’t get me wrong, I think his delivery is funny, but there are so many subjects he could discuss without making fun of people, unless this story is completely made up, which is very possible. If it was made up, then I don’t find anything wrong with it. But if it was a true story that actually happened, which he stated in the beginning, then acting like a monkey to describe how people live who are different from you is so far beyond stupid and immature. – Thanos789
Although making fun of others can be hurtful, I believe this is why his comedy hits the nail on the head in most cases. He is simply fed up with the "dumbing down" of society. Yes, maybe he was a little hypocritical of the waitress when he stated he too watches TV. But, it's all apart of his act. He sets up the CNN joke to then talk about how silly the news can be. This is humor in a nutshell, spotting difference between cultures and individuals. Why is it okay for the waitress and trucker to make him feel alienated because he's reading a book? I see this being just as bad or even worse than a joke about how he doesn't want to end up being a waffle waitress. QuinkThick789
While there were a few parts of what this gentleman said that were mildly funny. I too believe that he was just making fun of the people in this Waffle House diner. They were noticing something out of the norm for them and just asked a question. The waitress was probably just wondering why he was sitting by himself reading a book. Especially when these days most are looking at a smartphone or watching a video. It is also sad that she had to ask why he would be reading. Her question could have many reasons. Why was he reading and not doing something else while there? Why wasn't he interacting with others in a verbal manner? Was he working, or was he just reading for his own personal entertainment? I honestly wish that people would mind their own business and worry more about their own lives. On the other hand, what if they were just mesmerized by the fact that he was reading. Maybe they aren't used to seeing people read in that area. I have found that in lower income areas, people do not have the same opportunities in school and with other learning resources as people in higher income areas.
I honestly feel like when I am working by myself in another city and have to eat dinner by myself that the people are staring at me. It is an odd feeling but honestly I am not sure why people are so worried about others these days. MommaJ789
used to be a waitress and it was not an uncommon thing for people to come in with books and read while they wait for their food, what is interesting is that it seemed to be older people who did it. I cannot think of one time when it was a younger person reading by themselves. Most of the time a younger person would come in like you said with a smartphone and not take their eyes off the phone the whole time. I feel like when I am by myself people are always starting at me wondering why I am eating by myself but I try not to let it bother me to much since I am probably never going to see these people ever again. EPIC789
The comedian used reality play, the social construction of Humor. He created and contrast two different realities. He was in the Waffle House reading a book, when the waitress asks him “what are you reading for?” instead of asking “what are you reading?” Then the trucker blurts out “well, I guess we got ourselves a reader”. Although the joke was funny, I feel this joke put the waitress down, by stating “I read because I don’t want to be a waffle house waitress”. He put all waitresses who works at the Waffle House into to one category and made assumptions. Basically, he says she does not read, she’s uneducated, and that’s why she works at the Waffle House. The comedian also took a jab at the Waffle House patrons when he referred to the menu having pictures instead of words. He also mentioned the waitress asking him why not watch tv. I feel the same way about the news, it is really depression. It’s usually the same headlines. He joked about war, famine, homelessness, AIDs, death, recession, depression while watching CNN. I thought it was funny how he could bring humor to these topics that are a major problem in this world. When joking about Ted Turner and Jane Fonda, Mr. Hicks did make a good point of how the media only show us what they want us to see. Granny789
When he started out the video about the waitress asking why is he reading instantly reminded me of a time when I told my friend that I wanted to go to the library to get a book and she instantly was like why? When we got to the library she acted like she had never even been to a library before because she did not like to read unless she absolutely had to, and the whole rest of the day she kept telling people like can you believe she actually went to the library and got a book when to me it was a normal thing but to her it was not. I would have to agree with him on the CNN news, it seems like there is always something negative they are talking about. I do think that we need to know the “bad” things happening but we should also focus some on the good things happening as well. The way you see this video all relates back to how you were taught to see humor and what is acceptable and what is not acceptable, because to some people the joke about the waffle house is funny because people are taught that people who work at the waffle house are not smart or are poor. If you work at the waffle house you are more likely to see this video as offensive and calling you dumb. I think it is important to remember what might be funny to you may be offensive and hurtful to someone else. EPIC789
This video had a couple of cultural norms I spotted. When the waitress asked him what he is reading and the same exact question I asked my sister. She read about 3 books a week and could careless to do homework, watch a movie, or spend time with the family. That is why I asked what are you reading for when you despise school and anything related. I find reading boring and I read to fall asleep, but in some countries people enjoy reading it’s a way they learn about thing or get to know what they know. When he talks about the news, he said it bores him that can be really offensive in some countries because that is how they know about what is going on around the world and in their own countries. I think politics are the most boring part of the news I could careless about what Trump is up to or what he ate for lunch, but anything health related or natural disasters I am interested reading about. But overall I thought the video was funny but not in a way I would say my jokes. I am sure he was talking to different people from different countries with different culture and different backgrounds, which mean some people in the audience might have found his humor offensive and maybe some people didn’t get any of the jokes or his humor. Ria789
The video was very true about many situations we encounter in our daily lives. The example of reading a book at a waffle house is very relatable. Now days reading an actual book may seem strange to other people because a large percentage of people are reading on a nook etc. I don’t know of a specific statistic but I would guess that more young people are playing games on their phones or tablet rather than reading. I also noticed that he made reference that he was reading because he didn’t want to end up being a waffle house waitress. That is a very judgmental thing to assume, because being a waitress doesn’t mean that she is an uneducated person. Here are a few ideas of what this woman’s life could really be like. She could be a single mother doing the best to provide for her children. She probably didn’t plan on being a single mother or becoming a waitress to support her family. She could be working as a waitress to make ends meet while attending college. She could be working two jobs trying to get ahead. And of course she could very well be an uneducated person. I know this was a statement made in a video, however I think it happens too much in our society. The constant judging of others and we haven’t walked a day in their shoes. Who are we to be judging? Instead of judging why aren’t we be kind and supportive of one another. The example of watching CNN and it being nothing but negative news is correct. I often ask myself if it’s absolutely necessary for the reporters to only deliver negative news. I’m sure there are many good things happening around the world. Why can’t we do the sandwich affect and mix good and bad information into the same segment. Because I think we all realize good and bad things happen in our neighborhoods and around the world.
Bill Hicks is notorious for invading social norms for humor. The first joke he uses involves a difference between two people from completely separate individual backgrounds. "Whaddya readin' for?" is a great example of how many people promote anti-intellectualism in everyday life. It seems as if reading a book or working to expand our knowledge is taboo to society. When the waitress asks why he doesn't just "turn on the tube" referring to TV, it is all too familiar with most people nowadays. He is shocked that these people in the Waffle House are looking at him like he is crazy for reading, but he further realizes it's part of these peoples social norms. This joke is obviously poking fun at lesser educated people, who are typically fast food servers or truckers. Now obviously this isn't true for all waitresses or drivers, but this is why the joke is funny. It connected with the audience for a good reason. The bit about CNN goes after another social norm. A good amount of people spend a good amount of time watching the news each and every day, thinking they are gaining information. In some cases, they may be. But in a lot of cases, they are being fed negativity and carrying that into the social world. If people took a step back they may realize things are not as bad as the media makes them out to be. "They" want us to be scared, that's how they get their money. "They" want us to watch TV instead of read books, that's how this well oiled machine keeps running. I feel as if media, corporations, and government are profiting off of societies anti-intellectual ways.
I didn’t think of it the way you did but I can see where you are coming from and it is completely understandable. Watching all that negativity does have people bring it into the world, or make them feel bad about themselves because they can’t do much about it. I know that is how I feel. I would love to be in FL helping our southern brethren to fix what a natural disaster took. Instead because of my life here I can’t do that but I do donate any chance I can. I send food to food pantries. I want to help and I do help a little but I wish I could do more. Slimjim789
In the video showed, I immediately recognized it as a humorous, and snarky comedy story. The people he used in his jokes were depicted as dumb people, who considered reading unimportant and a waste of time for everyone. “What are you reading for?” But in a way, this was a reference to their cultural norms. To them, watching television was more acceptable, common, and the expectation that their culture had. So, Bill Hicks didn’t fit in at all in their worldview. In the joke, he viewed them as slow people because they didn’t understand the value of learning information, or just enjoying a good read. I experienced this situation more times than I would’ve liked. As a kid, I loved to read. The other students in elementary school found this alien, and bizarre to them. Being quite shy and withdrawn, I quickly became isolated because of my love for information and imaginative fiction. For me, I was expecting more people that were studious or driven; for them, they were expecting another kid that watched television, hated reading and math, and conformed to their groups to be “normal.” When I was younger, I was scolded for reading secretly underneath the covers past midnight, but for the other kids, they stayed up late to watch TV or play games. In these situations, both sides had differing cultural norms that led to them thinking negatively about the other. Another example of this would-be humor. I recognized Bill Hick’s snarky humor, but I could tell that it wasn’t meant to offend. Other people however, would take it more seriously or personally. This doesn’t mean that they’re horrible/rude people though. They just have differing senses of humor, or they’re misunderstanding, or they have personal reasons. In my experience, I used to be sensitive to jokes, but I realized that that came from a defensive instinct that insisted that most people want to hurt you, or that they mean everything they say. But as I grew older, and more socially aware, I could tell that most jokes were just jokes! Papyrus789
I agree with you. I had a similar thing happen to me and I didn’t take the joke personally. I understood where he was coming from however I personally would not have made a joke about it. I certainly was confused when this kind of thing happened to me because it was my norm after learning it from someone I cared about. I don’t believe they were dumb or stupid either or that Hicks is a rude person. It’s his job to find the humor in a situation. Also everyone is raised differently so I agree when you say he was just not fitting in because he was different from them. Slimjim789
Some where it’s normal not to read and to just watch T.V. I can imagine the scene where he is confused on what’s going on with the waitress of the waffle house and the trucker. I had that happen once. It was a bit different. I was reading a newspaper and the older lady who served me said I looked young. She asked my age and I told her. Then she said it was surprising to see someone young like me reading the newspaper that she hasn’t seen it in a long time. Then she continued to tell me how growing up her and her father used to read the newspaper together. I told the waitress that when I was waitressing, there was a regular who would come in every morning and when I was done with my shift him and I would drink coffee together and read the newspaper together. I am amazed that people would rather watch T.V than read a book. As for the news part of this skit, he is right. You look outside your window and notice that everything seems quiet. But on the news they talk about death, recession, whether or not Trump is the right president. And you think to yourself all of this is going on and I’m sitting here sipping my coffee with no way of helping. When I watch the news and see those things, it makes me want to help. I understand that this is supposed to be comical, which to some it might seem that way. But his truths in this skit are real there is people out there not sophisticated because that was how they were raised or because they don’t have a choice in the matter. And there is horrible things going on around us in the world that when we turn on the news it would be nice for once to hear everything is going to be alright. Slimjim789
It's can be interesting to see how often, even in this country, we let ourselves forget the (literally) hilarious number of different viewpoints and cultures present. To more people than we may think, all books are, are things forced on them by boring classes and monotone, dead-eyed teachers. Those of us lucky enough to know how to enjoy reading can very easily disassociate themselves from these people. In many cultures, it may seem like books are a common thing, a sign of intelligence and curiosity, hence why it is so easy to find the idea of someone, not just asking about someone reading, but criticizing another for reading, so amusing. The comedian largely uses two major comedic appeals to the audience: expectation-subversion humor, and in-group vs. out-group humor. Initially he focuses on emphasizing the oddity of the waitress' comments, by presenting it in a manner that accentuates the cultural difference between the audience and comedian, and the waitress. This is expectation subversion, because the audience doesn't expect someone to find it so odd for a person to be reading, let alone to suggest tv as an alternative. He later even compounds the already odd situation by introducing another character (the trucker) that seems to share the waitress' 'absurd' mindset. This addition allows for a group to be formed. As he progresses through the story, attention is shifted to the other appeal: jabs at this group, which has been presented as an out-group. By implying the inferiority and primitiveness of the group he was joking about, he attempted to appeal to his in-group. Humor walks a thin line between making a person's day, and ruining it. Though it is easy to criticize comedians for belittling groups just to make people laugh, it also worth noting that many comedians use 'phantom' groups (basically fictional groups) that are purposefully manufactured to minimalize the amount of people who feel targeted. In the end, humor is more often than not, founded in the simple desire to make others happy, just take that into consideration, and show tactfulness in your handling of jokes that you find offensive; few make jokes to others just to offend them.
ReplyDelete-SoarSore789
Nowadays, I think most humor is the opposite of tactful. I really enjoy watching comedy specials on Netflix, such as Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and Jeff Dunham. These men, while very funny, are not exactly tactful. Even Jeff Dunham, who is the more “family friendly” of the bunch, touches on sensitive subjects. They joke about race, politics, and religion, which are basically the top three most offensive topics to talk about. Even in popular television shows you see the same kind of tactless humor, such as South Park. There is a very thin line between funny and offensive and comedians have certainly crossed that line before. Catzfuhdays789
DeleteI really appreciate your insight on how for so many, books really aren't those things of wonder and joy that they are for those of us that were privileged enough to grow up in an environment that permitted us to explore them and come to love them. I work at a library, and all the time, I see parents pushing and pushing at their children to read certain books, strictly following certain guidelines. Heaven forbid you read the same book twice! Favorites don't exist! This doesn't even begin to cover the school system, that churns out 'classics' that many students can't relate to, understand, or particularly bring themselves to care about. Dickens was paid by installment, folks. Humor and tact is also such a hotly debated subject. I think especially when satire is brought up, because that's a razor thin wire, and a lot of comedians like to do the ballet across it.
DeleteBuwowski222
We all have that one something that just bores us to death. Mine happens to be anything sci-fi related, the thought just causes me to yawn. And this is where the motto too each its own come into play....as well as individuality a person is entitled to watch and laugh at whatever it is they choose, let us hope that it doesn't hurt any feelings and is done in a tactful manner. In my opinion our backgrounds depict how we take jokes and how we dish them whether it be humorous, offensive, or both. I know a family whom should quit their day jobs to become comedians, well not really as they are always joking and claim their is usually some truth to the jokes with even a few jabs thrown in every once in a while. But because it is "their norm" they can easily laugh certain topics off that others may find offensive. Others outside of there family unit may not get away with the same sarcasm or offensive jokes. Nonetheless your post was written very well with great points made.
ReplyDeleteAt last, laughter is good for the soul and sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying but never should jokes be used to intentionally hurt feelings, friend, foe, or complete stranger.
mommyoftwo789
I agree with you on this. No matter who you are, nobody’s feeling should be hurt intentionally. In order to know how a person is going react to any joke, depends on where they come from, their cultural background, and what their life is like at home. Everyone has their own way of telling jokes and they are all different. I, in my opinion, thought the video was funny in a way. But when it comes to jokes, spare other feelings. It’s always important to have joy in life. Schmidt789
DeleteI agree no ones feelings should get hurt during a joke. If someone gets hurt I feel they are taking it to personal or they just have no sense of humor. As for myself I grew up where my mother never joked or laughed much, so I'm a serious person. When I met my fiance he has taught me to lighten up. He jokes with everyone the first time he joked with my mother I almost feel over because she actually laughed. Remember humor is everywhere it is known globally. I think laughing, jokes,and humor help live a normal and happy life. -Gander789
DeleteI also agree with you on this. There were a few things in this video that I found mildly entertaining, but for the majority of the video, I just felt as though he was simply judging and making fun of both the waitress and the trucker in the diner. I mean, let’s face it, we all do some pretty stupid things from time to time, and many of us (I know I do) like to make fun of family and close friends for doing similar silly things, but when strangers do something silly, to me it appears like a person is seriously making fun of them and implying that they are somehow better than that other person because they think themselves to be better and more intelligent. – Thanos789
DeleteI have always been interested in reading. Back in middle school, I was given a reading list for over Summer vacation and I would read not only those books, but multiple others. My grandma and I made trips to the library together, which was one of my favorite things to do. Even now, I could spend hours in my local library skimming through books and videos. Reading has always been an integral part of my life, so the question “what are you reading for” is very peculiar. In my groups of peers, we recommend books to each other and have even gone to the library and Barnes and Nobles together. My family and peer groups have strengthened this trait. What if, however, my family and peer groups were more interested in television? Would I still read as much as I do? In the video, both the waitress and another customer were surprised about the fact that the speaker was reading. Education levels, interests, and other environmental factors can influence if someone were to read for leisure. Even if something seems so normal to you, it might not be to others.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing mentioned in the video is the news. Personally, I am terrified of the “end of the world,” such as nuclear war, a devastating volcanic eruption, or a meteor hitting the planet. I am a very sheltered and nervous person, which I can admit. So, when the comedian mentioned how terrifying the news is, I was nodding my head along with him. My heart races whenever I watch the news, because lately the news is scary! There was an earthquake, tsunami, tropical storm, two hurricanes, shootings, nuclear war threats, and just about everything else that terrifies me. Watching the news is too crippling, so I keep as updated as I NEED to be. My grandparents watch the news almost constantly at their house, so I try to occupy myself with my phone or conversation instead. Catzfuhdays789
I agreed with you that “if something seems so normal to you, it might not be to others.” And different people understand and interpret things differently. When the speaker talked about the waitress questions him for reading, I understand it different than what you understand, I think the speaker was point to the way the waitress asking question because the waitress is using different gramma while you understand that the waitress doesn’t understand why the speaker is reading book. Maybe because I’m the English learner. Your understand is different from what I understand but it also educated me to see the things from different perspective. To be honest, my family and I don’t like to watch tv much, especially news. I know that there are many disasters and terrible things happen in our country right now. I’m feel lucky when I’m not in those state that have to experience through these. I’m not feel nervous or scare because these terrible things on the news were not happen around me. (Maybe it will later) You don’t realize the serious of the situation was until you step in it. Thank again for my fortunate.
DeleteZero789
I manage my hard news intake as well. Especially politics, they can get too intense, and too personal, and I often find myself needing to take a step back to breathe and re-center. All the bad in the world can sometimes overshadow the good, and we're only human. Our anxiety and anger and negative emotions win out all the time. There's sunshine right outside our windows and a hurricane inside our heads, because that's all we've been seeing, on the news, online, in the papers. As for the question 'What if?' I wondered that too. It made me think of what we discussed in class, about how we construct our own realities. I too, was a reader. In fact, I met up with friends in Barnes and Noble- truly the mall of our generation- and we would get coffee and I'd grab a book or a journal. If we'd gone to the movies as a group, maybe I'd be skating through my film class instead of cramming late into the night thinking about lighting and panoramic shots. People are the foundation of society. Each individual constructs their own reality with the choices they make. You chose to go to the library. The waitress in Bill Hick's video watches tv. So you keep the library running and keep me in a job, and she keeps the media that gives you and me so much trouble in business. Cogs in a machine. Contributing to the greater picture.
DeleteBuwowski222
I like what you were saying about managing your hard news intake. I honestly thought I was the only one who did that. All of my friends and everyone I know for that matter is always so caught up on what is going on in our society and I feel like I am always the last one to catch up. Although most of the things we hear about on the news and in the media these days don’t necessarily affect me directly. It is still very stressful to hear about just knowing that it could happen and it is happening to someone else.Whtie789
DeleteI agree with you on the whole reading thing. I, when I was younger, was also very interested in reading. I would love to read but I had to be interested in it. I couldn’t read anything. But if it caught my eye, I would read and read as much as I could in one day. I used to read a whole series in a week. So, I think our reading skills are still very important than just learning how to skim through paragraphs to find what you are looking for. Schmidt789
DeleteI can get where you are coming from. It’s pretty common for people to develop ‘tastes’ in entertainment from raw exposure. It’s possible that my preferences would also be different, if my environment was different as well. However, not too many people seem to truly grasp this concept. It’s all too easy to forget about the branches in our own paths, and how different the present and future could have been, had we taken a different route. Did we reach who we are now through intention, or necessity? Have we really learned on our own to enjoy the things we do, or have we simply been trained to enjoy them? It’s almost pointless to ask. No matter the answers, we will seek to make the things we enjoy our own, as we see ourselves reflected in our preferences.
Delete-SoarSore789
Cultural different are something unique. As long as every person are different, there are cultural different. Cultural are wide and weird. From the way we speak to the tradition we follow. People from different cultural will see each other are weird because they can’t understand the value and meaning of each person cultural. Like the example of the speaker, the waitress asked him what are you reading for? And he was shock because what the waitress asked him is not what he usually hear from people and not what he is expecting to hear. The waitress may be come from different country and don’t know that she is using the wrong way of asking or it may be her own cultural way of asking. I think the waitress also shock when she saw his reaction because his reaction may not what she was expecting to answer her question. Many similar cases happen every moment whenever there are two different culture meet together, we just don’t show it out because we have been taught to be respect. Especially in United State, the melting pot of many ethnic, I still feel shock sometime when I saw someone acting different than what I expected, shocked form the different languages people spoke to the clothes people wear. Cultural norms are the pattern of behavior which the groups of same cultural people share and follow unconsciously. Such as most people walk toward not backward, people wait in line, people shake hand with each other. People from different countries can share the same norms or people from the same house can have different norms. Cultural norms were based on what we believe as moral and normal way of what we behave in society around us, it was form by many facts like the person background, environment, nations, religion. And we learn them when we just the baby, we see culture norms from our parents, from friend, from the stranger on television or on the road. Cultural norms became something in our mind that “we supposed to act this way”, “it’s so embarrassed when I do this”. Some people recognize these norms and try to make change of it, but they end up making the funny joke. People laugh at those change because the joke was so different from what they believe was normal. Each culture has their unique norms and thus there are different meaning of joke. The joke makes one-person laugh doesn’t mean everybody can understand the meaning of it and laugh, because the joke was based on cultural norms! I tried to change the norms once time and it feel hard. It not the work hard, it just I don’t want people to think me weird or crazy. Just s admired those can brave enough to change it.
ReplyDeleteZero789
I noticed that in the video the way the waitress asked the man “What are you reading for?” however I didn’t think of it that she may be from a different culture/language and that in her country she was asking him “What are you reading?”. Good catch on your part. Yes I agree with you now that I’m seeing it from your perspective. The waitress may have been trying to be kind and have small talk, and instead her mistake in the customer’s eyes made her seem uneducated. I agree jokes in one country would not be accepted or understood in another country. And jokes in general can back fire and cause more pain than good even within a person circle of friends.
DeleteAnimalLover789
In modern American society we associate books with intellect and sophistication, and television and film with relaxation and often, turning off our brains for a little while. This absolutely stupefies me, because as a child, there was no better way to get me in trouble than to put a book in front of me. I would read it in class. I would read it while walking. I would hide a book in my hymnal in church, so help me God. If I asked a kindergarten kid what 'smart' looked like, chances are, they'd draw me a kid with glasses and a book, not a television screen, not a smartphone. Though, hey. Ten years from now, who knows, maybe I'd be getting pictures of a kid with laser surgery and an Ipad. Technology. Technology, and that evolution, separates us. That can be intimidating. If you normally watch a show with your cup of joe, and you see some stranger reading Kafka, you're going to think that there's some area 51 type activity going down in the neighborhood. It's not a friendly feeling. Human beings have a historic tendency to react to those that are different by lashing out. In small ways, with snipes and jabs and maybe cold coffee with spit in it (watch out, Bill Hicks), or in big ways, like war and news anchors who smile at us with way too many teeth and then proceed to give us a skewed version of current events. (I'm looking at you CNN). Hicks is right. Watching the news for too long makes you look at the world like the war is right there at your doorstep. You see bombs in your driveway when all there is to see is cement and gravel. You see famine everywhere, all the ills in the world, and it's hard to turn it off, or tune out. It fills you up and weighs you down and you want to help, but that's hard when you're capable of little things at the most. So you turn on Ellen and you fill up on kittens and puppies and you shovel glitter on top of all the graves stuck in your head. Guess you gotta do something for fun and laughs, right? That's why we have comedians, after all.
ReplyDeleteBuwowski222
I do agree that the "norm" has changed so much over the years. We used to think the "smart kids" were the ones reading the books. Nowadays, the kid reading the book could be classified as many things other than the smart kid. He could be the poor kid, because he cannot afford an ipad, iphone, laptop, or even just the internet for that matter. He could be just the nerdy kid who likes to be different and doesn't want to have his face in his smartphone all day long like most kids these days. What if he has a vision disorder and is unable to use technology with a screen? This is a perfect example of social stereotypes and why we should think twice about judging others. MommaJ789
DeleteI appreciate your point of view, Buwowski. It is interesting to see that you associate technology with intellect, moreso than books nowadays. And I would have to agree. It's important to not that this comedy bit was from the 80's though, where most knowledge was found in books. I like what you said about CNN and news in general. It is easy to see the world in quite a dismal point of view if you get sucked in to these ways. This is why we have comedy! To lighten up the mood an make jabs at different social norms. I think a lot of people in this thread may have taken things too personal... QuinkThick789
DeleteStarting off this blog, I wanted to say how funny this guy is. I really enjoyed watching this video. By the first few jokes he had said, he had given us good examples of how important education is to all of us. It is very important to learn all of these skills like reading and witting because that, in a way, effects how you will end up later on in your life, like your career for example. All of these skills that you may think are simple tasks that you don’t need can affect you in the long run. Technology has effected in in many ways. Both good and bad. We all rely on it way too much, more than what we should. All of the younger generation are losing several important skills that we need to be successful in the future. Being unsocial plays a huge part in what technology has done to our society today. And going on to what he also discussed, there are way too many issues going on in the World nowadays. Anytime you turn on the news, there is always something negative going on. We are in a World filled with hatred towards one another. And in my opinion, technology plays a part in that as well. Many years ago, before we had improved in technology, before it was even a thing, life was simpler. There weren’t as much crime as there is now. Life today, has changed so much since then and not for the best, in my opinion. We need to interact more and socialize. A lot of issues happen on social media that shouldn’t, for example cyberbullying has been a huge issue when it comes to suicide. Schmidt789
ReplyDeleteI agree that the younger generation is losing so many skills that will help them in their future. My example is reading an actual book might be considered weird. Most young people read on a computer device. Yes I think that the people who are in charge of CNN are the ones pushing this negative information into our homes and minds. What are their motives for doing this? I believe there are definitely personally interests. I like the example that Mr. White gave in class regarding the young ladies that were kept captive by the man in their neighborhood. These young ladies hadn’t been free for very long and media was right there wanting to do interviews. It made the young ladies look uneducated and sad, very confused by what was happening. I definitely think our media is part of the problem with our race issues within the United States in recent years. Yes cyberbullying scares me so much, I have a 10 year old niece and my sister is keeping her off of social media for as long as she possibly can.
DeleteGreat post!!!
AnimalLover789
Although this video was only four minutes long give or take, it had quite a few references to cultural norms in it. But what are cultural norms exactly? Well, cultural norms are basically just the normal attitudes and patterns of behavior that a given group exhibits. For example, the waitress who was described to be not-so-classy and the weird truck driver seemed caught off guard by the fact that he was reading a book rather than just "flipping on the tube". We can gather from this that reading for entertainment is not something they do in that specific group of given people, maybe it is that specific town or that part of the state or whatever the situation might be. However, it is quite obvious that neither side of this conversation was looking at this situation as a cultural norm situation, so their responses may have come off as rude. With the growing rate of sensitivity in today's society, it is becoming more and more important that we watch what we say and how we address things when conversing with other people. This is something that I personally, have noticed, especially in the past few years. I also like to add that I like what he says about watching the news. He explains it in a very funny way but he is right, our news is always full of such negative things it seems. Personally, I have stopped watching the news, not because I am not interested in what is going on with our society, but because the events of today's world are actually very stressful and frightening to me. Call me sensitive, but it brings me down to hear that such negative things are happening around us and there really is not much we can do to stop it. I feel that if we all tried to understand and respect each others cultural norms we would all get along a lot better, and that right there would make a big difference in our society. -NIKE789
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to you about the news. It is very negative at times and frightening, but I watch it now for information to see if I can help in anyway make it a positive. For an example the st. Jude run every year on the news they talk about this huge event and remind you its not about you its for the kids, they need you. It's always melted my heart. I've never ran it myself but would like to next year my aunt every year raises 1,000 dollars and runs Pekin to Peoria. So the news can be scary but you have to realize that life is scary the news just give you information most of us need to know. -Gander789
DeleteI can totally relate to this because I love reading so much and people always ask me how can you do that I could never read a book I always wait for the movie. But like I lived kind of outside of the cultural norm because the norm was not to read books and just wait for the movie to come out but me I was the excat opposite I would much rather read then wait for the movie and most of the time for me the book was much better then the movie. And like this video was literally my life like people would always ask me whats the point in reading watch the movie or my favorite was books are boring. But books in my opinion are one of my favorite things in the world because they can take you to a different place outside of where you are. But the video also shows the different way people can think of one single thing and how often times we try to make others feel bad because they like something that we don't find appealing or interesting and we do that often times as a society. Which isn't fair because everybody should be allowed to like what they like at least in this context without being judged or made fun of because they like to read or they like to play the flute or whatever it may be that person likes and we shouldn't try to force or opinion or perspective onto that person because part of being in a society is that we all have different views and preferences when it comes down to certain things like reading the book or watching the movie, listening to music or making music. But this is what helps shape us as a society
ReplyDeleteButtercup 789
I also relate to the book part because I love reading as well, I like to read the book and then watch the movie, usually the book is always better. The worst part about books is when you get so in to them and when you are done you wonder what you are supposed to do now. It is crazy how people can take one simple thing as reading a book and turn it in to this big thing making a person feel as if they are not doing something correctly or acceptable when in reality all he was doing was trying to get some food and read a book. EPIC789
DeleteI could not imagine someone asking me why you reading? or why don't you just watch the tube? I would just look confused because its normal to read to me anyways. Like the chart in our book states the less education you have the more t.v. you watch. I think you see this first hand in our ghettos or low income places. Not because people are stupid or anything of the sort they are just uneducated. I don't think everybody realizes how important education is. Talking about this reminds me of the movie the blind side. The young man Sandra Bullock took in was use to how he lived no bed, eviction notices, and not being able to read. Everyone thought he was stupid but he was far from stupid. He just didn't no how to read, because of one persons belief in him he went to college and got a football scholarship. Could you imagine watching the news and seeing stories like that everyday? Instead we see destruction, death, and corruption. I always thought this same thing when I watched the news but, there are good things that come with the news. Like the movie, we do hear stories like that time to time. Another example, is the charity runs like St. Jude. In everything in life there are negatives and positives you just have to look at it at different perspectives. Now that I'm older and have a family I enjoy and am thankful I have the news to inform me whats going on in the world. -Gander789
ReplyDeleteI also watched the movie the blind side with my family after dinner some years ago. That true story was amazing. This movie shows exactly in what I believe, Leverage, I always say that the stronger should educate and coach to the weaker to be stronger, and to build a more successful society, but weaker have to have the burning desire, and persistence to go for the success. Stronger should think that the weaker have their own potential to be part of the stronger community.
DeleteIt would be great to hear more frequently stories like this one instead Constant Negative News. We need to live in a healthier and a better world, but we need to select carefully what we see, what we listen, and what we read, and part of all that is also what kind of humor we are seeing, and listening. I like the positive humor, because it makes us laugh, and it is a source of happiness
the_soccer_league789
A agree it is normal to read, however, in some places of the world it is not. Places of lower income may see no point in reading because they never did in school so why would we know. It's a sort of culture shock because as as you even said you’d be amazed if someone asked you that. However the people in the diner would be just as amazed if you suggested reading instead of watching TV.
DeleteNavajo789
I also agree that reading is normal in America and other English speaking countries, however in other countries it is rare to see someone reading or just reading in general not because they don't like reading but because reading materials are not available or reachable. So when someone asks you "what are you reading for" it is very weird because what you are doing is already self explained.
DeleteRia789
Although this video was only four minutes long give or take, it had quite a few references to cultural norms in it. But what are cultural norms exactly? Well, cultural norms are basically just the normal attitudes and patterns of behavior that a given group exhibits. For example, the waitress who was described to be not-so-classy and the weird truck driver seemed caught off guard by the fact that he was reading a book rather than just "flipping on the tube". We can gather from this that reading for entertainment is not something they do in that specific group of given people, maybe it is that specific town or that part of the state or whatever the situation might be. However, it is quite obvious that neither side of this conversation was looking at this situation as a cultural norm situation, so their responses may have come off as rude. With the growing rate of sensitivity in today's society, it is becoming more and more important that we watch what we say and how we address things when conversing with other people. This is something that I personally, have noticed, especially in the past few years. I also like to add that I like what he says about watching the news. He explains it in a very funny way but he is right, our news is always full of such negative things it seems. Personally, I have stopped watching the news, not because I am not interested in what is going on with our society, but because the events of today's world are actually very stressful and frightening to me. Call me sensitive, but it brings me down to hear that such negative things are happening around us and there really is not much we can do to stop it. I feel that if we all tried to understand and respect each other's cultural norms we would all get along a lot better, and that right there would make a big difference in our society.White789
ReplyDeleteI’ve been living in USA only some years, and I still can not find humorous many jokes. Anyway, I do not watch television at all, but watching the video I can see that the comedian built a joke based on a true experienced when a waitress ask him, what he was reading for? The way he performed the joke using funny facial expressions and repeating constantly why the waitress ask him that kind of question, tells me that he was upset, and surprised that someone can not understand why someone was reading a book. My perception is that, as a comedian, he ridicules the waitress and shows her as a low-culture person. Previously he joked about the “waffle house” when he says “after the show I go to a waffle house, I’m not proud of it, I’m hungry”, that tells me that he ridicules a waffle house, because it is not a right place to go to eat. He is using humor as a vehicle to show that reality in the country.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, he also use humor to show how bad and depressing is to watch the CNN headlines news. I learned few years ago that CNN means Constant Negative News. I think we need to be informed citizens, but what is very negative is when the media sensationalize the news creating fear in the audience. After watching this video I understand more that humor is a way to see the world in a different way and also as a “bridge” to know the reality of another culture.
the_soccer_league789
It is really a matter of how some of us are just centered in what we want in instead of what it is. I think everyone has it’s own challenges in life and the fact that people is just trying to make their point across without even taking in consideration others perspectives just like the nowadays politics are developing but I wont get to talk about politics since the media do it for us and injustice continue happening because of the close-minded approach to everything such as education, immigration, race, and equality. just to mention some since there is a lot more to talk about. I think if we get to be kind to one another things would be a lot better at accepting that we all are human beings that live, love, eat, sleep… etc. just like anyone else. Koi789
DeleteIt was cool how he built his jokes around his experience through the waffle house, so it was related to him, he wouldn't mind if it was offensive because it was about himself. Also if you didn't understand his jokes you would understand through his facial expressions because they were funny and the sounds he made.
DeleteRia789
The video talks the norms of certain things by using humor as the key to point it together. When he compares the stereotype of people whose eating at a roadside dinner but when he was at a waffle house after he got from work. When he the picture is for those have trouble at reading. When say the thing s like they are from a stereotype of someone who cannot read as well as someone who read all the time than watching tv . like he uses comedy about thing like people who have trouble reading the menu. the waitress probly thought he be watching something on something and was surprised that he chose a book while the trucker thought that the same thing as the waitress. When he said which show that stereotypes can be funning be the response of the people and by doing the sound which can be used as a way to show the comedy of life when he act like a person that have a side that is a norm and a side that other do not get if they are from someone else and shows that peple can have multiple of way of acting which can be use as comedy the he make fun of CNN that people take it too real and that news is more violent and negative information and that the smile they have is fake. And that they must sleep with someone to really care about the information. And the information is the same every day which came be a comedy stand point which is a good a way to show the norm in every day life. News is major influence of like and that it is they have basically the same information day and day out , so he infused what people do is norm as a comedy point.gamer789
ReplyDeleteIt is a little bit annoying when people ask obvious questions to things that are actually happening and are evident. The culture behind that, I think it has to be with the fact that people is just trying to be friendly, but in the process don't think about what they are asking and think that by asking if you are reading while you are reading this will be probably appealing to you. I can’t stop thinking about the academic factor, he is obviously making fun of the waiter due to her “ignorance” – inferred from the video. He doesn't know if this waiter had the opportunity or the fortune to be able to go to school and be educated at the same level that he is, or in the same instance the truck driver. I think that he is the one making himself to be perceived as ignorant as well for being so closed-minded. This video was supposed to be some type of comedy but I personally didn't laugh and I was able to recognize that we all can be “ignorant” at times when it comes to “getting in to someone else’s shoes”. Of course I get annoyed about this questions that are obvious but I try to be as kind and respectful as I can be so that I can treat others the same way I like to be treated. I just want to highlight the fact that my intentions are to offend anyone in the contrary this are things we all do sometimes without even noticing that we are doing it. Koi789
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on this. I found a few points mildly entertaining, but for the most part, I feel like he was just judging and making fun of the waitress and the trucker in the diner. I absolutely agree with you that we all do dumb things, and often times we like to make fun of friends for doing similar silly things. But when it comes to strangers, to be seriously making fun of them and implying that you are somehow better than they are because you think yourself to be more intelligent proves otherwise to me. – Thanos789
DeleteHumor can be made out of most cultural differences. In the video it is the difference between a person who reads, and people who do not read. The way the waitress responded to her customer reading at his table shows that she is not an avid reader. Most likely she did not read much growing up, and hints that she does not live in an area where people read at restaurants. She responded with disbelief and just stated that he turn the tv on instead of reading. This is just one example of the difference in cultural norms. He was outcast from the group at that restaurant because he read instead of watched TV. Even within our own country there are differences between people. In this example it could have even been people of the same race but different culture. People of lower income who did not go to secondary schooling are more likely to read less. Therefore it would be a shock to them to see someone reading in front of them. Examples like this can be used everywhere, and it doesn’t have to be what you are doing but what is said. Go down south and ask for a soda and someone might look at you funny. He pronounce it pop. All of these differences make up different cultures within a country. Even smaller societies, he may be eating in a town of lower income because in his story a man behind him mentioned a comment about him reading, therefore showing that the whole town may have been in shock that he was reading.
ReplyDeleteNavajo789
I really enjoy the way you expressed the different ways in which the comedian and the waitress have cultural differences. It is amazing to see how many different cultures there are by just traveling a couple miles out of town. People who live there may not do things the same and may see normalcy differently as well. The face that the comedian immediately assumed because the waitress was commenting on his reading habits, of both the book and the menu, that she did not that high quality of education. That may not have been the case with her, but from his cultural views that is what he saw because it is different than where he came from.
DeleteMelRich895
Watching T.V. is rather than picking up a book and reading is becoming more and more common with every generation to come. When I was younger, I grew up in the middle of nowhere with a minimum of three channels even though we had a satellite as tall as our house in the back yard. My sister and I were either outside going on all kinds of adventures or sitting around reading about other kinds of adventures. Reading is how people get through everyday life, but presently people do not take their time to read through a menu or carries a with them book to read while in a restaurant eating a meal. It could be possible that where Bill Hicks went to have a waffle, people do not really that often, and in of all places, at a restaurant. It may be his norm, but obviously not theirs. When he starts speaking about people shouting “revolution” in one part of the world and in the other part they are yelling “evolution,” it is almost as if one part of the world starts doing it the other part sees it and is influenced to do the same thing. If one starts, the others tend to follow even if it is not completely true. Because of this fault and the meaning behind some protests is lost, it can be easily turned into a joke. CNN is known to be the number one broadcaster of worldwide news, and mainly they are the givers of bad news. As he said it is mainly about war, death, depression etc., while other news broadcasting seems to have more uplifting reports from around the world. It just shows that it all depends on the point of view and culture. With comedians, if something strange or when they experience that culture shock they tend to turn it into a joke and share it with those who are in that same culture. It is truly amazing to see how even humor changes from one culture to another.
ReplyDeleteMelRich895
Bill Hicks definitely has some humorous points in this video, but it seems like as he’s trying to be funny, he’s also taking aim to make fun of people without an education, and/or people who he thinks aren’t as smart as he is. I understand that this is a free country, but making fun of people shouldn’t be tolerated much more than bullying. To me personally, it clearly does not appear that Bill Hicks was having a simple case of culture shock. It sounds like he was expecting the waitress in that particular area to understand and accept his ways regardless if they were similar to her own cultural ways of living or not. And the same thing happened again when the trucker made the comment about having another reader.
ReplyDeleteWhen discussing watching CNN, he stated that Jane Fonda should have sex with Ted Turner so that he could watch some decent news that wasn’t completely horrible tragedies, violence, or death. This seems exactly hypocritical because he was making fun of the waitress who suggested he watch television instead of reading a book. To find out what is going on in the news, he could easily read a newspaper or get on the internet. Don’t get me wrong, I think his delivery is funny, but there are so many subjects he could discuss without making fun of people, unless this story is completely made up, which is very possible. If it was made up, then I don’t find anything wrong with it. But if it was a true story that actually happened, which he stated in the beginning, then acting like a monkey to describe how people live who are different from you is so far beyond stupid and immature. – Thanos789
Although making fun of others can be hurtful, I believe this is why his comedy hits the nail on the head in most cases. He is simply fed up with the "dumbing down" of society. Yes, maybe he was a little hypocritical of the waitress when he stated he too watches TV. But, it's all apart of his act. He sets up the CNN joke to then talk about how silly the news can be. This is humor in a nutshell, spotting difference between cultures and individuals. Why is it okay for the waitress and trucker to make him feel alienated because he's reading a book? I see this being just as bad or even worse than a joke about how he doesn't want to end up being a waffle waitress. QuinkThick789
DeleteWhile there were a few parts of what this gentleman said that were mildly funny. I too believe that he was just making fun of the people in this Waffle House diner. They were noticing something out of the norm for them and just asked a question. The waitress was probably just wondering why he was sitting by himself reading a book. Especially when these days most are looking at a smartphone or watching a video. It is also sad that she had to ask why he would be reading. Her question could have many reasons. Why was he reading and not doing something else while there? Why wasn't he interacting with others in a verbal manner? Was he working, or was he just reading for his own personal entertainment? I honestly wish that people would mind their own business and worry more about their own lives. On the other hand, what if they were just mesmerized by the fact that he was reading. Maybe they aren't used to seeing people read in that area. I have found that in lower income areas, people do not have the same opportunities in school and with other learning resources as people in higher income areas.
ReplyDeleteI honestly feel like when I am working by myself in another city and have to eat dinner by myself that the people are staring at me. It is an odd feeling but honestly I am not sure why people are so worried about others these days. MommaJ789
used to be a waitress and it was not an uncommon thing for people to come in with books and read while they wait for their food, what is interesting is that it seemed to be older people who did it. I cannot think of one time when it was a younger person reading by themselves. Most of the time a younger person would come in like you said with a smartphone and not take their eyes off the phone the whole time. I feel like when I am by myself people are always starting at me wondering why I am eating by myself but I try not to let it bother me to much since I am probably never going to see these people ever again. EPIC789
DeleteThe comedian used reality play, the social construction of Humor. He created and contrast two different realities. He was in the Waffle House reading a book, when the waitress asks him “what are you reading for?” instead of asking “what are you reading?” Then the trucker blurts out “well, I guess we got ourselves a reader”. Although the joke was funny, I feel this joke put the waitress down, by stating “I read because I don’t want to be a waffle house waitress”. He put all waitresses who works at the Waffle House into to one category and made assumptions. Basically, he says she does not read, she’s uneducated, and that’s why she works at the Waffle House. The comedian also took a jab at the Waffle House patrons when he referred to the menu having pictures instead of words.
ReplyDeleteHe also mentioned the waitress asking him why not watch tv. I feel the same way about the news, it is really depression. It’s usually the same headlines. He joked about war, famine, homelessness, AIDs, death, recession, depression while watching CNN. I thought it was funny how he could bring humor to these topics that are a major problem in this world. When joking about Ted Turner and Jane Fonda, Mr. Hicks did make a good point of how the media only show us what they want us to see.
Granny789
When he started out the video about the waitress asking why is he reading instantly reminded me of a time when I told my friend that I wanted to go to the library to get a book and she instantly was like why? When we got to the library she acted like she had never even been to a library before because she did not like to read unless she absolutely had to, and the whole rest of the day she kept telling people like can you believe she actually went to the library and got a book when to me it was a normal thing but to her it was not. I would have to agree with him on the CNN news, it seems like there is always something negative they are talking about. I do think that we need to know the “bad” things happening but we should also focus some on the good things happening as well. The way you see this video all relates back to how you were taught to see humor and what is acceptable and what is not acceptable, because to some people the joke about the waffle house is funny because people are taught that people who work at the waffle house are not smart or are poor. If you work at the waffle house you are more likely to see this video as offensive and calling you dumb. I think it is important to remember what might be funny to you may be offensive and hurtful to someone else. EPIC789
ReplyDeleteThis video had a couple of cultural norms I spotted. When the waitress asked him what he is reading and the same exact question I asked my sister. She read about 3 books a week and could careless to do homework, watch a movie, or spend time with the family. That is why I asked what are you reading for when you despise school and anything related. I find reading boring and I read to fall asleep, but in some countries people enjoy reading it’s a way they learn about thing or get to know what they know. When he talks about the news, he said it bores him that can be really offensive in some countries because that is how they know about what is going on around the world and in their own countries. I think politics are the most boring part of the news I could careless about what Trump is up to or what he ate for lunch, but anything health related or natural disasters I am interested reading about. But overall I thought the video was funny but not in a way I would say my jokes. I am sure he was talking to different people from different countries with different culture and different backgrounds, which mean some people in the audience might have found his humor offensive and maybe some people didn’t get any of the jokes or his humor.
ReplyDeleteRia789
The video was very true about many situations we encounter in our daily lives. The example of reading a book at a waffle house is very relatable. Now days reading an actual book may seem strange to other people because a large percentage of people are reading on a nook etc. I don’t know of a specific statistic but I would guess that more young people are playing games on their phones or tablet rather than reading. I also noticed that he made reference that he was reading because he didn’t want to end up being a waffle house waitress. That is a very judgmental thing to assume, because being a waitress doesn’t mean that she is an uneducated person. Here are a few ideas of what this woman’s life could really be like. She could be a single mother doing the best to provide for her children. She probably didn’t plan on being a single mother or becoming a waitress to support her family. She could be working as a waitress to make ends meet while attending college. She could be working two jobs trying to get ahead. And of course she could very well be an uneducated person. I know this was a statement made in a video, however I think it happens too much in our society. The constant judging of others and we haven’t walked a day in their shoes. Who are we to be judging? Instead of judging why aren’t we be kind and supportive of one another.
ReplyDeleteThe example of watching CNN and it being nothing but negative news is correct. I often ask myself if it’s absolutely necessary for the reporters to only deliver negative news. I’m sure there are many good things happening around the world. Why can’t we do the sandwich affect and mix good and bad information into the same segment. Because I think we all realize good and bad things happen in our neighborhoods and around the world.
AnimalLover789
Bill Hicks is notorious for invading social norms for humor. The first joke he uses involves a difference between two people from completely separate individual backgrounds. "Whaddya readin' for?" is a great example of how many people promote anti-intellectualism in everyday life. It seems as if reading a book or working to expand our knowledge is taboo to society. When the waitress asks why he doesn't just "turn on the tube" referring to TV, it is all too familiar with most people nowadays. He is shocked that these people in the Waffle House are looking at him like he is crazy for reading, but he further realizes it's part of these peoples social norms. This joke is obviously poking fun at lesser educated people, who are typically fast food servers or truckers. Now obviously this isn't true for all waitresses or drivers, but this is why the joke is funny. It connected with the audience for a good reason. The bit about CNN goes after another social norm. A good amount of people spend a good amount of time watching the news each and every day, thinking they are gaining information. In some cases, they may be. But in a lot of cases, they are being fed negativity and carrying that into the social world. If people took a step back they may realize things are not as bad as the media makes them out to be. "They" want us to be scared, that's how they get their money. "They" want us to watch TV instead of read books, that's how this well oiled machine keeps running. I feel as if media, corporations, and government are profiting off of societies anti-intellectual ways.
ReplyDeleteQuinkThick789
I didn’t think of it the way you did but I can see where you are coming from and it is completely understandable. Watching all that negativity does have people bring it into the world, or make them feel bad about themselves because they can’t do much about it. I know that is how I feel. I would love to be in FL helping our southern brethren to fix what a natural disaster took. Instead because of my life here I can’t do that but I do donate any chance I can. I send food to food pantries. I want to help and I do help a little but I wish I could do more.
DeleteSlimjim789
In the video showed, I immediately recognized it as a humorous, and snarky comedy story. The people he used in his jokes were depicted as dumb people, who considered reading unimportant and a waste of time for everyone. “What are you reading for?” But in a way, this was a reference to their cultural norms. To them, watching television was more acceptable, common, and the expectation that their culture had. So, Bill Hicks didn’t fit in at all in their worldview. In the joke, he viewed them as slow people because they didn’t understand the value of learning information, or just enjoying a good read. I experienced this situation more times than I would’ve liked. As a kid, I loved to read. The other students in elementary school found this alien, and bizarre to them. Being quite shy and withdrawn, I quickly became isolated because of my love for information and imaginative fiction. For me, I was expecting more people that were studious or driven; for them, they were expecting another kid that watched television, hated reading and math, and conformed to their groups to be “normal.” When I was younger, I was scolded for reading secretly underneath the covers past midnight, but for the other kids, they stayed up late to watch TV or play games. In these situations, both sides had differing cultural norms that led to them thinking negatively about the other. Another example of this would-be humor. I recognized Bill Hick’s snarky humor, but I could tell that it wasn’t meant to offend. Other people however, would take it more seriously or personally. This doesn’t mean that they’re horrible/rude people though. They just have differing senses of humor, or they’re misunderstanding, or they have personal reasons. In my experience, I used to be sensitive to jokes, but I realized that that came from a defensive instinct that insisted that most people want to hurt you, or that they mean everything they say. But as I grew older, and more socially aware, I could tell that most jokes were just jokes!
ReplyDeletePapyrus789
I agree with you. I had a similar thing happen to me and I didn’t take the joke personally. I understood where he was coming from however I personally would not have made a joke about it. I certainly was confused when this kind of thing happened to me because it was my norm after learning it from someone I cared about. I don’t believe they were dumb or stupid either or that Hicks is a rude person. It’s his job to find the humor in a situation. Also everyone is raised differently so I agree when you say he was just not fitting in because he was different from them.
DeleteSlimjim789
Some where it’s normal not to read and to just watch T.V. I can imagine the scene where he is confused on what’s going on with the waitress of the waffle house and the trucker. I had that happen once. It was a bit different. I was reading a newspaper and the older lady who served me said I looked young. She asked my age and I told her. Then she said it was surprising to see someone young like me reading the newspaper that she hasn’t seen it in a long time. Then she continued to tell me how growing up her and her father used to read the newspaper together. I told the waitress that when I was waitressing, there was a regular who would come in every morning and when I was done with my shift him and I would drink coffee together and read the newspaper together. I am amazed that people would rather watch T.V than read a book. As for the news part of this skit, he is right. You look outside your window and notice that everything seems quiet. But on the news they talk about death, recession, whether or not Trump is the right president. And you think to yourself all of this is going on and I’m sitting here sipping my coffee with no way of helping. When I watch the news and see those things, it makes me want to help. I understand that this is supposed to be comical, which to some it might seem that way. But his truths in this skit are real there is people out there not sophisticated because that was how they were raised or because they don’t have a choice in the matter. And there is horrible things going on around us in the world that when we turn on the news it would be nice for once to hear everything is going to be alright.
ReplyDeleteSlimjim789