Let Comic’s Comic
Comedians think differently. We look at life in ways others don’t. We attempt to take each and every situation, person or thing and create humor out of it. Because we see the world differently and because our minds over analyze when we create, sometimes we choose topics that are not normally a laughing matter. And when done correctly, there is nothing better. Being able to make someone laugh at a subject they normally wouldn’t is one of the greatest feeling a comic can feel. It takes a lot of work, patience and the acceptance of failure to create joy out of fear. This process usually starts in a notebook. Then it moves to an open mic. The open mic is the place the comic can start attempting to find ways to make the taboo acceptable. To find the wording and phrasing that will, when completed, make the point crystal clear. The open mic had always been the safe space where comics could utter the wrong in hopes of making it right. The few audience members at mics might of been offended or turned off by what was said but the other comics understood and even supported what was happening. Because the comics understood the process. And trusted the process. It was necessary for the development of the bit. But recently, that trust and support from the open mic comics has changed. Wavered even. Comics are nitpicking words, judging ideas and shaming and shunning concepts before they are developed fully. And it is ruining comedy.
Creativity can come from anywhere. To tell someone they can’t say or think something goes against everything comedy is. If you are a comic and want to put limitations on what you think or what you allow to inspire your writing, then that is your choice. You are limiting what you and your act can become. But that is your call. But being a whistle blower or bad word lifeguard to other comics suffocates creativity. And is not the right mindset to have if pursuing the life of a comedian, in my opinion.
Comedians are the reporters of life. We see things and give our weird and obscure opinions. The tone we choose to deliver through is humor. To judge what is being said as fact or belief is not understanding comedy. Because in order to make the taboo or trigger subject funny, the comedian must be allowed time to verbally work out the material. It takes months sometimes to find the best way to get the message across. To tell a comic they can’t say something is something a non comic would do. If you are a comic, you should never say this to a fellow comic. You should give the comic the time to mold this sensitive subject. You should trust in the process. Truth be told, you should be more concerned with what your act is and what you are currently working on. If you are busy putting comics who said a bad word or talked about a taboo subject on blast, your focus is in the wrong place.
I believe that we have become a world of impatience. We have everything at our fingertips at a moments notice. We can communicate with anyone about anything anytime we want. Therefore we feel we need to always be heard. To constantly voice our opinions. Many times without much thought behind it. We want to tell everyone they are wrong. Because that gets us attention. But comedy isn’t about being right or wrong. It is about finding humor in the humorless. It is about finding the funny in the boring. It is about seeing the world in a different way then most do and then getting others to see it your way and laugh and appreciate how you saw it. When done well, there is no better feeling. Let comics comic. Do not police or pass quick judgment while another comic is in the process of creating. Be patient. Let them do them. You, focus on you. Now, if a comic asks your comedic opinion, then of course let them know how they feel. But to just admonish them on social media because you once heard them say an unfinished thought at an open mic is not helping comedy. It is hurting comedy. Because now comedians will be afraid to take chances. To create. To trust in the process. Because they do not want to be scorned or labelled. When all they were doing was trying to take an idea they were inspired by and find the funny. Let comic’s comic.
You want to let people know how you feel about these topics? You want to tell the world that you don’t appreciate how certain people think or speak? Write a fucking joke about it!! Because that is what comics do. I’m off to an open mic to work on this new Cosby bit.
