That’s Not Funny

We all have a funny bone, right? But don’t ask me to find it on a skeletal model. Yet I do know that funny bone development is individualized to our personality, culture and sensitivity.  As a kiwi (New Zealander), I can laugh uproariously at a British comedy while my husband Robert sits next to me without the hint of a smile.

As August 16th is National Tell A Joke Day it’s a good time to think about what makes us laugh.

For example, many have a penchant for bloopers whether it be outtakes from a TV episode or mistakes in a church bulletin. Here’s a few bulletin bloopers that made me laugh:
•    Don’t forget next month’s prayer and fasting conference. Registration is only $50 and that price includes all meals and snacks.
•    Potluck supper at 5. Prayer and medication to follow.
•    Please pray for Joe to have a good autopsy result.

Situational comedy can also be funny. Take for example the only scene that I found slightly amusing in the poorly rated movie, “Under the Rainbow.” A man stepped into the elevator at six feet tall and after a fast and bumpy descent stepped out at four feet tall. In addition to bloopers, Terri Garey is credited as saying, Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves because they shall never cease to be amused.

Many comedians have mastered the ability to make fun of themselves. Although we are not comedians, my husband Robert and I often joke about being aliens as the reason why we get along so well—he’s from Jupiter and I’m from New Zealand. Other comedians revel in making fun of people who are different. Sadly, making fun of others has become a national past-time that in some cases has escalated to bullying and hate crimes.

Those of us who are different are tired of being the butt of jokes. We are not amused at being ridiculed because of our appearance. Name the difference and there is a joke to go with it. Obesity related jokes can be merciless in their cruelty and offensiveness. It’s not funny to mimic the speech and movement of a person with cerebral palsy or the walk of a person with short stature. On occasion, when I have seen a group of kids laughing, pointing, and mimicking the way I walk, I have confronted them. I challenge them to get it right by walking and climbing stairs without bending their knees. They quickly learn that my way of walking is no joking matter.

Yet those who object to being the butt of a joke are accused of being thin skinned and not having a sense of humor. But a healthy sense of humor and ability to appreciate a good joke comes from those who value people for who they are and not what they look like. People made in God’s image, for His pleasure not our amusement.

Look for the October release of my book—PASS ME YOUR SHOES: A Couple with Dwarfism Navigates Life’s Detours with Love and Faith. For more book information go to https://angelamuirvanetten.com.