The Science of Comedy II – Mental Imbalance is Fuel for the Fire
I might just be speaking from personal experience, but I’m convinced that all comedians have some kind of diagnosable metal disorder. And I’m almost positive that the majority of said comedians see this as more of a blessing than a curse.
Let me back up a little and give you another theory. I believe we’re all just as crazy as everyone else. The only difference is that some people don’t hide it as well. The worst ones at hiding it are those that are certifiably insane and perhaps a danger to either themselves or those around them. Comedians are not far off though.
Looking back at my own life. I can see very clearly that my sense of humor was bred from a deep seated insecurity. A feeling that everyone was better than me. That no one would think I was special or even pay attention to me. But there was more than insecurity. There was anger. And Envy. And a list of girls that I was attracted to but never had the courage to say anything to. Sounds like a lot? I have a feeling I’m just scratching the surface.
But these parts of me; the anger, the envy, the feeling of disgust with myself and with others, they became tools for me, motivation even, to be funny. It was a shield at first. Something I could use to hide behind so that people wouldn’t see me for who I really was. Pretty soon, my sense of humor and I became one and the same. And eventually, it became the very thing that saved me from the insecurities that birthed it.
So what is it about insecurities, pain, anger that is so funny?
It’s simply funny because it’s true. We’re all somewhat insecure. Even the best of us. And when someone shows that they’re vulnerable. We laugh, not because we’re mocking, because we’re empathizing
I suppose the only difference between a joke and a sob story is a punchline.
