I saw a bumper sticker once that said, “I march to the beat of a different accordion.” To me, that’s the ultimate use of humor to create a new perspective.
On Monday, there was a great article in the Washington Post titled, “Bumper sticker politics.”
I’d love to hear your favorite bumper sticker.
Ron
One of the basic theories of humor involves the principle of incongruity. We laugh when we experience an incongruous event. A classic example is the man who steps over the banana peel but then falls into an open manhole. The incongruity occurs when what we expect doesn’t happen. Ironically, there is a a connection (slapstick humor through which we laugh at someone’s misfortune) but not the connection we expect (slipping on a banana peel). So, the humor comes from the less obvious connection which surprises us. There lies the incongruity.
So, enough of the humor theory. It’s impressive, I know, but probably putting you to sleep. So what does this have to do with Tiger Woods? I’m not sure but after seeing him blow up on the golf course this past weekend, I figured it would be a timely blog that might elevate me in the search engines. I just have to come up with a point.
So here goes.
For years, Tiger Woods appeared to have the perfect life. He was the best golfer in the world. He had a gorgeous wife and two beautiful children. He made boatloads of money. And he appeared to be focused on being very good at what he did. Problem was, he was secretly living a different, and secret, life.
Although I’m only speculating, it seemed that Tiger did not see the incongruity in his behavior. Everything was was working for him – until it came out that he was having multiple affairs. Then, the marriage, the golf, and the sponsors disintegrated. Essentially, a different kind of incongruity occurred. Tiger was out of sync with what society saw as appropriate behavior. And now, he has lost his focus.
Two types of incongruity. One is funny. One is not.
So, what’s the difference?
In our behavior and our humor, I think we need a foundation of integrity. If there is a disconnect between our integrity and our humor, neither work. Many comedians admit that the audience has to like them, as a person, for their humor to work best. Even those who use profanity or caustic humor must be seen as a likable person or else the audience will not tolerate his/her approach.
So when you consider using humor, make sure your intention, your integrity, and your humor connect. That will give you the best chance for the incongruity of the humor to work. Otherwise, just like Tiger, you may shank it!
Ron
Just discovered a great new blog. Check it out: Medical Humor.
Ron
Just ran across this great program called Stand Up For Mental Health founded by David Granirer.
Basically, it’s a duel benefit by helping those battling mental health issues to develop self confidence while doing stand-up comedy AND to educate the community by fighting the stigma of mental illness. There is a great article in the Virginia AP News: Program Teaches Mentally Ill to do Stand-up Comedy. Check it out.
My favorite line from their website? “Most people think you have to be nuts to do stand-up comedy. We offer it as a form of therapy!”
Now that’s crazy!
Ron
Look for an interview with David Granirer in our newsletter later this year.
I read an article in USA Today about Edward Norton’s new charity website Crowdrise. You can read about it here: Norton’s Crowdrise Goes the Distance.
The article highlights Norton’s effort to connect and support multiple charities instead of just one. By encouraging people at all levels of fund raising to participate, he has created a community where those who “are not sure their little bit makes a different to feel persuaded they can make a difference.” The site is called Crowdrise and you should definitely check it out.
This is very cool on two levels. First, it inspires service to others. Second, it makes service fun.
For instance, Will Ferrell’s fund-raising effort is to generate money for cancer survivors to go to college. In exchange for a $17 donation, you get a bottle of his sun tan lotion.
Plus, participants earn points for money raised and for votes from other participants that can be used for prizes.
This is a great example of accomplishing something significant through a fun process.
Ron
A tip of the hat to Art Linkletter who died yesterday. He was masterful at bringing out the humor in others -- especially kids.
In a recent interview on Larry King, Art said that when he asked his physician how much time he had left, the physician said, “If you live one day at a time, it will all work out.” What a great lesson for us all. Here’s a link to the video:
If you’d like to see some clips from his House Party show, check this out from YouTube:
Thank you Art for some great laughs.
Ron
A cover story in USA Today says that stress and worry decrease dramatically and happiness increases after the age of 50. This is based on research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
This is great news but I can’t figure out how the heck it works. For instance…
My knees are stiffer but my emotions are more flexible?
I pee more but get pissed off less?
My belly droops but my smile doesn’t?
Maybe I just can’t remember that I’m unhappy!
Ron
Since humor is all about perspective, I thought you might be interested in an article I read about the impact of the economic downturn on elective medical procedures.
An article in Modern Healthcare reported that while elective, health-related, surgical procedures dropped moderately to significantly in 2009, cosmetic procedures barely dipped
So, basically, knockers knocked out knees. Botox beat bunions. And liposuction lapped laparoscopies.
Once again, our priorities need adjustment. Too bad there’s not an elective surgery for that.
Ron
Next week, I will give a presentation to the jobs ministry at my church. This ministry supports those who have lost their jobs or are in transition between jobs. It will be a daunting task as I try to convey the message that it is possible to pursue a career that matches our passion, gifts, and skills. In my vernacular, I would say, “You CAN find a job that’s fun.”
I ran across an article in USA Today about an 11-year old boy who had been hospitalized to remove a benign tumor from his leg. He became fascinated with computer languages and programming . Using skills he acquired in books and on the internet, he developed an iPhone app. You can read the full article here: Young Patient Draws Up an iSketch. And for what it’s worth, when I was eleven, I couldn’t even spell eleven.
This smart young man found a way to blend work and fun. But the important thing to remember is that he had to learn the skills first before he could put the fun into action. That’s the step we often miss.
When you get discouraged because you’re not going where you think you should in life, it’s not usually because you don’t have the passion or desire to do something different. Typically, it’s because you have not developed the skills you need to get you there.
I will never be a successful humorist if I don’t develop the writing, speaking, and humor skills. However, once I do that, my work becomes the expression of my passion and is fulfilling in a whole new way. It’s just darn fun.
Ron