At a time, when the general population was regarded as intelligent, slapstick comedy ruled.
It doesn’t have to tickle everyone’s funny bone, as much as it does mine, but, ‘once upon a time’ fewer people were condescending enough to believe that lives could be ‘at risk’ just from watching it. I would guess that no one would have eaten Tide Pods back then, either.
The Three Stooges were comic geniuses, IMO. Ridiculousness deserves ridicule and laughing at it is human.
Laughing at the ridiculous has become, in a purposeful way, a modern taboo. Well, this gal won’t stop. Ridiculousness doesn’t go away when we are shamed into ignoring it. If nothing can be labeled ridiculous, then is everything supposed to be taken seriously? The media certainly thinks we should. lol
I’ve introduced my granddaughters to The Stooges and they’re able to roar with laughter. Not only are these comedians a part of our American heritage, they are perfectly suited to make fun of an overly uptight, narcissistic , often ridiculous, culture that is currently nearly humorless.
Hope you enjoy a few of my favorite classic clips.
Tag: slapstick
Comedy: The Life and Times
What makes something or someone funny?
If we could “put our finger” on that, most of us would choose to become comedians. It is fun to be funny!
I was watching my 7 year old granddaughter make her 5 month old sister laugh. A delightful engaging scene. The first thing that I noticed and, had always known, slapstick comedy is ageless. Even infants know that falling on your face is funny and, the addition of surprise to that equation, makes it hilarious.
The puzzle that I am searching to solve is, how do some people make us laugh by their presence alone? I have a giggle reflex that starts when my sister enters the room. The same reflex happens with a few friends of mine too. The immediate solution seems to be that we have an on-going comedy act. Maybe a history of funnies that come to mind or, at least, are lurking in our subconsciousness. That might well be true BUT I have had the same comedic stirrings with new kids/babies in my day care program. One of my long remembered kids and I locked eyes for the very first time and laughed. We each just felt a bubbly energy when we were together.
Which now begs the question, where does that energy originate and what inspires it? Have you ever been in line at a grocery store and felt that connection with a complete stranger? I have. It always surprises and delights me. It’s often been said that dealing with the “public” is a chore. Yes, there are also people who can “put us off” at first glance. Is it their posture, lack of eye contact, facial expression? A fascinating psychological puzzle for sure.
Whatever the chemistry may be called, it makes the world a happier place knowing that comedy is alive and can be found when, and where, we least expect it. Surprise!
The Three Stooges
It has been said many times that in order to thoroughly enjoy the comedy of the The Three Stooges you must be a man. Boy, do I disagree because their slapstick has always been one of my personal favorites!
I added a random clip because choosing my favorite would have been impossible.Not only are they my best remedy for the blues but such a glimpse into a time which I never experienced. References to Nazis and the Depression, make me feel like I am in a time capsule. Shining shoes in order to eat or waiting in job lines are scenes that today’s youth should see.
If I were to choose the single biggest danger to our society today it would be that our youth has very little knowledge of our nation’s history. The saying, “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” is absolutely applicable.
I cannot blame the schools entirely for the absence of historical knowledge. Although I do blame them. History class and Geography class became social studies, and since, today’s youth have little idea about where we came from OR where we are in the world.
I remember my parents and grandparents telling stories about their lives. If anyone thinks that life used to be simple and carefree, then they must have had social studies. How many people today?:
- mend their clothes because buying new ones is not an option and have to make those clothes last to be handed down to siblings.
- really don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
- have discrimination for their sex, race and lifestyle the over baring reality in each day, all day.
- have to stand in LONG lines for sugar, butter or gasoline.
- own only one pair of shoes.
- butcher their own meat.
- have their prosperity for the whole year count upon the weather and crops.
I’m sure my mother could add many better examples because forgetting the past is something each generation experiences to their own degree. THAT is exactly why American History must play as large a role in our education as Math and English (which from the grammar these days, I assume is no longer being taught.)
Instead of being ridiculously opposed to your kids seeing slapstick and learning to “hit”, I think they might do better to have a glimpse of another time and learn to ask questions.
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