Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Not Funny
* Want to hear something funny?
* Not particularly.
* What’s the matter, uptighty whitey?
* Nothing. I’d just rather not hear your little joke right now.
* Hey, it’s not a joke, okay?
* No, actually. I just don’t want to hear it right now.
* You’ve got to loosen up a little, partner. Laughter is the best medicine. And this is hilarious. See - ...
* Hey! I’m telling you - I don’t want to hear it. Why is that so hard for you?
* God-damn you’re uptight today. I mean, Jesus. They’re words,, okay. It’s just communication. No biggie. There’s no freaking reason to be such a priss. You gotta learn to relax and let the music play sometimes.
* Yeah, we’ve all got a lot to learn. I just don’t want to hear your stupid story, okay? Is that so hard for you to understand?
* Why the hell not? Jesus, this is how people get along in this sad old world of ours. This is how we interact with each other. We talk, we laugh, days pass, life goes on. You get an attitude like this and you’ll lose every friend you’ve got. You’ll die young and alone.
* I’ll take my chances. You want to tell me that story you told Jim this morning about the kid on the bus, don’t you?
* Yes! So you heard it? Oh my god it was hilarious!
* See, here’s my problem. That story’s all about laughing at somebody. Somebody real, who’s got a serious disability. It’s goddamn well not hilarious. It’s sad. And it’s revolting me that you find it humorous.
* Hey, that’s kind of strong. I mean, if you don’t think it’s funny that’s one thing, but -
* But that shouldn’t stop you from amusing yourself at the expense of others? That we shouldn’t find the trials of our fellow men important, that we shouldn’t take them seriously when they struggle to overcome challenges that we can’t even begin to comprehend? I’m not amused. It’s miserable that you’d even think it’s funny. And now you’re going around spreading this malignancy so that we can all descend to your level. Well, I’m not going there. I don’t want to hear it.
* Okay, okay, forget it. Not your kind of story. I’ll leave you to your tender sympathies. But here’s a word of wisdom - you have to see the humor in situations. You have to find laughs where you can. Otherwise the world is way too sad a place.
* Great. Here’s one for you - total lack of respect for other people is a form of mental impairment. Get that? You’re handicapped. And it’s sure as hell not making me laugh.
