How To Be Funny | Video Essay

Summary

This video essay explores the fundamental nature of humor, focusing on the idea that every joke has a victim, whether it’s another person or the joke teller themselves. The script examines various comedic techniques, including non sequiturs and self-deprecating humor, using examples from films like *Anchorman*, *Hot Fuzz*, and *Airplane*. It contrasts the comedic styles of Conan O’Brien, known for his inoffensive self-deprecation, with Jimmy Kimmel’s more controversial approach. Ultimately, the video argues that humor centered around self-mockery is the least likely to offend, making the comedian more likable and approachable.

Takeaways

• 😀 Every joke has a victim, whether it's the joke teller or someone else. The victim is crucial for the joke to work.
• 😀 Comedic techniques such as surprise or releasing built-up emotion don't necessarily make a joke funny; the key is the victim.
• 😀 The humor in films like Anchorman, Hot Fuzz, and Airplane works because the characters are the victims of their own misunderstandings or contradictions.
• 😀 Self-deprecating humor, where the joke teller becomes the victim, is a safe and effective form of comedy. Conan O'Brien is a master of this style.
• 😀 Conan O'Brien's self-deprecating humor often involves exaggerating personal flaws, making himself the butt of the joke rather than others.
• 😀 Comedy has a fine line between being humorous and crossing over into bullying. This is seen in the contrast between Conan’s approach and Jimmy Kimmel’s approach.
• 😀 Kimmel's offensive humor, which targeted the video game community, led to backlash and long-term damage to his reputation with that group.
• 😀 Self-deprecating humor allows comedians to avoid offending others while still producing laughs, as no one is harmed by the joke.
• 😀 In situations where humor addresses sensitive topics (e.g., foreign cultures), it can be done tastefully by focusing on the comedian’s own misunderstanding rather than offending the culture.
• 😀 The key lesson from this analysis is that if you want to be liked and avoid offending people, humor that pokes fun at yourself is the most effective approach.

Q & A

What is the main point being made about jokes in the video?

The video argues that every joke requires a victim, whether it's another person or the joke teller themselves. The victim is essential to the humor, as it forms the basis for the punchline.

How does the video explain the concept of 'self-deprecating humor'?

Self-deprecating humor is a style where the joke teller makes fun of themselves rather than others. The video highlights that this style can be used to create humor without offending anyone, as the victim of the joke is the comedian themselves.

What is 'schadenfreude' and how does it relate to comedy?

Schadenfreude is a German word that refers to the pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune. The video connects this idea to comedy, explaining that jokes often make us laugh when someone else, like a character or person, is made to look foolish.

What role does the element of surprise play in making jokes funny?

The video mentions that some people believe the element of surprise is key to humor. A joke that contradicts expectations or takes an unexpected turn can provoke laughter, but it still requires a victim to make the humor work.

How does the video explain the difference between Conan O'Brien's and Jimmy Kimmel's humor styles?

Conan O'Brien's humor is based on self-deprecation, where he creates a character that has flaws, and the humor arises from his own idiocy or exaggerated personality. Jimmy Kimmel, on the other hand, often targets others in his jokes, which can risk crossing into bullying territory.

What is the significance of the 'victim' in humor, according to the video?

The victim is central to every joke. The video explains that a joke’s humor often comes at the expense of someone who is made to look foolish, whether it’s another person or the joke teller themselves.

What does the video suggest about the risks of humor that targets others?

The video warns that jokes that target others, especially in an aggressive or bullying manner, can backfire and damage a comedian's reputation, as seen with Jimmy Kimmel's controversial jokes about the gaming community.

How does Conan O'Brien navigate humor about foreign cultures without offending people?

Conan O'Brien uses humor about foreign cultures in a way that is inoffensive by making himself the victim of the joke, rather than the people or cultures he’s commenting on. He avoids sensitive topics and focuses on harmless observations.

What is the benefit of using self-deprecating humor, according to the video?

Self-deprecating humor allows comedians to make jokes without offending anyone else. By poking fun at themselves, comedians can create laughs while remaining likable and approachable.

Why does the video argue that every joke requires a victim?

The video asserts that every joke has a victim because humor often comes from seeing someone made to look foolish or embarrassed. Whether it’s a misunderstanding or a contradiction, the victim provides the structure for the punchline.