mormonnewb Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) Mormons excel in many fields but comedy is not one of them. And I believe it may be because our doctrine and culture discourage humor. Doctrinally, the 13th Article of Faith is a humor killer. "... If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." While this is a great way to live, it is horrible way to construct comedy. A comedian's 13th Article of Faith would read: "If there is anything dishonesty, ugly or just plain juicy gossip, I can get my own sitcom." Seriously, the starting point of humor in any situation is to ask, "What is wrong with this?" That's why there are literally hundreds of "Yo Mama" jokes and not one of them starts with, "Yo mama so pretty ..." "You mama so smart ...", etc. It isn't a joke unless there is something wrong with yo mama. Another obstacle is our cultural taboo against shocking language. A really good humorist says "shocking" things and sometimes, shocking language is the way to do this. Twain used raw language in Huck Finn to draw attention to a racial hegemony that most people of his day thought was perfectly normal. Interestingly, one of our most-beloved Mormon humorists, Uncle Golden Kimball would often use profanity, even from the pulpit. Even aside from profanity, we are constantly counseled against "light-mindedness" -- to not make light of "sacred" things. Now, in truth, not many religious sects encourage blasphemy (Lutherans excepted). However, in Mormon culture, almost everything is sacred -- from the scriptures to our sacred ordinances to our underwear (see how you winced at that bit of lightmindedness?). If Mormons can't joke about the most important things in our lives, then our humor must focus on trivialities, which can only hold someone's attention for so long. And one of the things that we hold most sacred are the prophets. In my three years in the church, I've never heard anyone say, "Hey, I've got a riddle for you. How many apostles does it take to pass the sacrament?" Stop cringing! I'm not going to tell you the punch line. Yet, comedians work on the opposite premise -- you only ridicule those at the top. That is why late-night talk show hosts hurl their barbs at politicians, celebrities, people who write LONG posts on religious boards at 3 am. You know, the winners in life. So, in short (too late), my theory is that we are too optimistic, civil, pious and respectful to be the least bit interesting. Am I missing something? Is there another reason why we have all of the comedic skills of the Amish (and only half their sense of fashion)? Or perhaps, I'm completely wrong and am overlooking our contributions to comedy. Who's your favorite Mormon comedian? In fact, I'll even take someone who has a Mormon-y sounding name, or just someone who likes carrots in their Jell-O. Anyone have any thoughts? Bueller? Anyone? Edited January 30, 2014 by mormonnewb
Kenngo1969 Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) In answer to the question posed in the title, Yes. Absolutely. These folks, for example, are outstanding Mormons. http://echostains.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/wood_amgothic.jpg (If you've ever wondered why the guy is holding the pitchfork, it's so he can make Swiss cheese out of anyone who cracks the slightest hint of a smile.) Edited January 30, 2014 by Kenngo1969 2
PtolemyGlenn Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) I love comedy. And I would not call myself prudish but comedy these days has really crossed the line in vulgarity and blasphemy. While laughter is not a sin and laughter in general is good for your health laughter at vulgarity or at another groups expense probably snt the most virtuous thing to be doing. And I know there is a bivle passage the in regards to coarse jokes.I did watch a pay t.v show which was purely Christan comedians and some of them did take the mickey oit of their faith. Overall its prbably not something you should be doing. But at the same time clean humor isnt going to fill seats. I can defintly see what you are saying.I did look at some Mormon jokes just now. Some were pretty funny others were standard stock.Found this one funnyWhy are there so many unsolved murders ib Utah?Because there are no dental records and everyone's related. Edited January 30, 2014 by PtolemyGlenn
Avatar4321 Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Not in the slightest. After all who is our exemplar? Christ. And it's clear He is hilarious. He created me after all... 1
Tacenda Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 I'm going to have to say LDS are pretty funny. Their main goal is to prove that theory wrong. There are several LDS movies that are hysterical. They make fun of themselves, like "Single's Ward", "Hometeacher"s, "The Best Two Years", and don't need talk show hosts to do it. They are usually amazingly clear in the head so that they can spurt funnies a mile a minute. And they have "Roadshows" and "camp" skits in their genes you know. Think Donny and Marie, both very funny people.Probably a good reason people like them so much, besides their being good neighbors. Can't say they lack in that department. They probably are some of the most creative at coming up with stuff to do because they don't have drinking at their parties, and need to make up for it, IMO. I could go on and on. Why look at you mormonnewb, that was quite the funny OP topic!
CV75 Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Anyone have any thoughts? Bueller? Anyone?First, there is difference between humor and comedy, and then there a difference between kinds of humor and kinds of comedy. Some kinds would be more Christlike than others, and so the different kinds have a different appeal to different people. That said, I can't think of any nationally-known professional comedians who are LDS. I listen to a comedy radio station on the way to work and most of the time I don't feel the need to change the channel. 1
bluebell Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 I can't think of any group of people who like to laugh more than Mormons do. 2
Ahab Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) I think of it as the "get it" connection. Having a good "sense" of humor helps someone know what is humorous, just as having a good sense of what is good or true helps someone to know what is good and/or true. And someone who doesn't have a good sense of whatever sometimes just doesn't get it. Edited January 30, 2014 by Ahab
thesometimesaint Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 First, there is difference between humor and comedy, and then there a difference between kinds of humor and kinds of comedy. Some kinds would be more Christlike than others, and so the different kinds have a different appeal to different people. That said, I can't think of any nationally-known professional comedians who are LDS. I listen to a comedy radio station on the way to work and most of the time I don't feel the need to change the channel. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700173277/Mormon-comedians-find-success-staying-clean-in-an-industry-that-isnt.html?pg=all
strappinglad Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Actually, humor is in the family. we Ephriamites allow our brother Judah to carry the bulk of the comedy.
Calm Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 http://www.byutv.org/show/c68c4e4f-6322-4a23-8b8e-a5be75b70635/
Mola Ram Suda Ram Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Have you not read any of Nehor's posts?.....I would like to think I was funny but hey..... 1
teddyaware Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) Mormons excel in many fields but comedy is not one of them. And I believe it may be because our doctrine and culture discourage humor. Doctrinally, the 13th Article of Faith is a humor killer. "... If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." While this is a great way to live, it is horrible way to construct comedy. A comedian's 13th Article of Faith would read: "If there is anything dishonesty, ugly or just plain juicy gossip, I can get my own sitcom." Seriously, the starting point of humor in any situation is to ask, "What is wrong with this?" That's why there are literally hundreds of "Yo Mama" jokes and not one of them starts with, "Yo mama so pretty ..." "You mama so smart ...", etc. It isn't a joke unless there is something wrong with yo mama. Another obstacle is our cultural taboo against shocking language. A really good humorist says "shocking" things and sometimes, shocking language is the way to do this. Twain used raw language in Huck Finn to draw attention to a racial hegemony that most people of his day thought was perfectly normal. Interestingly, one of our most-beloved Mormon humorists, Uncle Golden Kimball would often use profanity, even from the pulpit. Even aside from profanity, we are constantly counseled against "light-mindedness" -- to not make light of "sacred" things. Now, in truth, not many religious sects encourage blasphemy (Lutherans excepted). However, in Mormon culture, almost everything is sacred -- from the scriptures to our sacred ordinances to our underwear (see how you winced at that bit of lightmindedness?). If Mormons can't joke about the most important things in our lives, then our humor must focus on trivialities, which can only hold someone's attention for so long. And one of the things that we hold most sacred are the prophets. In my three years in the church, I've never heard anyone say, "Hey, I've got a riddle for you. How many apostles does it take to pass the sacrament?" Stop cringing! I'm not going to tell you the punch line. Yet, comedians work on the opposite premise -- you only ridicule those at the top. That is why late-night talk show hosts hurl their barbs at politicians, celebrities, people who write LONG posts on religious boards at 3 am. You know, the winners in life. So, in short (too late), my theory is that we are too optimistic, civil, pious and respectful to be the least bit interesting. Am I missing something? Is there another reason why we have all of the comedic skills of the Amish (and only half their sense of fashion)? Or perhaps, I'm completely wrong and am overlooking our contributions to comedy. Who's your favorite Mormon comedian? In fact, I'll even take someone who has a Mormon-y sounding name, or just someone who likes carrots in their Jell-O. Anyone have any thoughts? Bueller? Anyone? At one time, while an active Latter-day Saint, I was an aspiring comedy writer and even had a brief stint on my own comedy oriented radio program. I am still considered by most of the folks who know me to be a very funny guy and at times even a veritable clown (although my mostly dower demeanor on this board would cause most to think this to be an unlikely possibility) and laughter and joking are still a big part of my life and a great safety valve for stress relief. There is actually a way to be funny without doing violence to the Spirit, but most Latter-Day Saints are too afraid to try because they don't want to take the chance of being perceived as being frivolous. Because my personality has a very serious side that peacefully coexists with my comedic side, I can usually maintain the respect of those who know me. Edited January 30, 2014 by teddyaware
Calm Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) .I did look at some Mormon jokes just now. Some were pretty funny others were standard stock.Found this one funnyWhy are there so many unsolved murders ib Utah?Because there are no dental records and everyone's related.Humour such as this, based on false stereotypes that have little to do with reality relies more on prejudice for its laughs than humour IMO. Definitely "standard stock" of the fill in the name of the perceived lower class ethnic group/state.http://www.google.com/search?q=%22why+are+there+so+many+unsolved+murders+in%22&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safariUtah has a low number of homicides overall and a low number of unsolved ones with their clearance rate being quite respectable:http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/may/21/murder-mysteries/Utah rates 12th in the nation for dentists per capita so plenty of dental records there.Only the last comes close to reality, I am trying to figure out the best search term for that one. Edited January 30, 2014 by calmoriah
CV75 Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Actually, humor is in the family. we Ephriamites allow our brother Judah to carry the bulk of the comedy.Yeh-yeh: His daughter asked him for 50 shekel; he said, 40 shekel? What do you need 30 shekel for? 1
boblloyd91 Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 J.Golden Kimball was funny, and he was a seventy!
omni Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) As far as comedians are concerned, Brian Regan isn't Mormon, but you'd never no that by how popular he is in Utah. He's coming again in February and may sell out two shows at Energy Solutions Arena. I think the biggest obstacle to having a well known LDS comedian is that for better or worse, blue comedians are simply more popular. I do think there is a market for clean comedy as witnessed by comedians such as Brian Reagan and Jim Gaffigan, but it's more of a niche audience. Edited January 30, 2014 by omni
Ahab Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Bill Cosby is a good example of a good comedian.What some people think is funny makes me feel ill.
Kevin Christensen Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Calvin Grondal's three LDS cartoon books are brilliant, starting with The Freeway to Perfection. Not just good for a Mormon, but as good as anyone. Their appearance was an event. The sketch comedy on Studio C on BYU TV definitely has its moments. There are other talented LDS humorists around. http://bycommonconsent.com/2005/09/23/round-table-on-mormon-humor-round-one-updated/ Ed Snow has a bit about the 10 Commandments of Mormon Humor that I saw at Sunstone years ago. "Thou shalt be slightly irreverent... no more, no less." My favorite, besides Grondal, is Hugh Nibley's Sounding Brass, especially "How to Write an Anti-Mormon Book, a Handbook for Beginners." http://publications.maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1116&index=14 The Nibley roast by his children and some friends at Sunstone in Salt Lake City in 2003 or so was hilarious. I wish I could have saved the LDS fortunes in the fortune cookies at each table. Daniel Peterson's review of Loftus Tryk's The Best Kept Secret's in the Book of Mormon is hilarious. http://publications.maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1426&index=20 Scott Card's Saintspeak is very funny, channeling Ambrose Bierce. His secular humanist revivals got a following. FWIW Kevin Christensen Pittsburgh, PA 1
Kenngo1969 Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Newb, you yourself acknowledge part of the problem in the post you made here: http://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/62697-what-about-those-good-r-rated-movies/?p=1209339565 (Although I don't think it adds anything to his act, and although I prefer to listen to him "bleeped" if he (or one of his characters) is going to use any blue language, I feel guilty enough watching Jeff Dunham.)
altersteve Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Why do you never see hippos hiding in trees? Because they're really good at it. 1
mormonnewb Posted January 30, 2014 Author Posted January 30, 2014 J.Golden Kimball was funny, and he was a seventy! You're wrong! J. Golden Kimball was HILARIOUS! However, he wasn't exactly a "typical" Seventy. We're lucky he was around before correlation. For example, here is my favorite Kimball story: Whilst in southern Utah to speak at a stake conference, he'd ditched his traveling companion and headed off to a local restaurant for lunch. He was eating -- a cup of coffee at the ready-- when his companion caught up with him. His horrified and self-righteous companion said, “Why Brother Kimball, I'd rather commit adultery than drink a cup of coffee.” To which, J. Golden replied, “Who the hell wouldn't?” Can anyone imagine a current Seventy: (1) Admitting to violating the WoW?; (2) Saying that he'd like to commit adultery?; or (3) Using the "H" word not in reference to outer darkness? 2
mormonnewb Posted January 30, 2014 Author Posted January 30, 2014 Bill Cosby is a good example of a good comedian.What some people think is funny makes me feel ill. Bill Cosby is a great example of clean comedian who was wildly popular but he does not craft his jokes by looking for what is virtuous, lovely or of good report. For example, his most successful stand-up show, Bill Cosby Himself, focused largely on the premise that his children were BRAIN DAMAGED. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyMSc97UksM Spending an hour focusing on the stupidity of your children doesn't seem like the most Mormon-y thing to me. In fact, it might cause one to re-examine that "families can be together forever" thing.
mormonnewb Posted January 30, 2014 Author Posted January 30, 2014 As far as comedians are concerned, Brian Reagan isn't Mormon, but you'd never no that by how popular he is in Utah. He's coming again in February and may sell out two shows at Energy Solutions Arena. I think the biggest obstacle to having a well known LDS comedian is that for better or worse, blue comedians are simply more popular. I do think there is a market for clean comedy as witnessed by comedians such as Brian Reagan and Jim Gaffigen, but it's more of a niche audience. I somewhat suspect that the popularity of comedians like Regan and Gaffigan is a "lesser of two evils" choice for many Mormons. Everyone likes to laugh and if the choice is between, say, Bleepy Bleeperson and Gaffigan, then Gaffigan starts to look pretty darn good. This is the case even when the comedian is not Mormon or even particularly religious. For example, Gaffigan is, at best, lukewarm about his Catholic faith. He has a few routines where he is downright blasphemous (I assume he leaves this out in SLC). And he certainly doesn't have an "uplifting message." However, since he doesn't use profanity or talk about sex (very much), it's "close enough" for us.
ERayR Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 Mormons excel in many fields but comedy is not one of them. And I believe it may be because our doctrine and culture discourage humor. Doctrinally, the 13th Article of Faith is a humor killer. "... If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." While this is a great way to live, it is horrible way to construct comedy. A comedian's 13th Article of Faith would read: "If there is anything dishonesty, ugly or just plain juicy gossip, I can get my own sitcom." Seriously, the starting point of humor in any situation is to ask, "What is wrong with this?" That's why there are literally hundreds of "Yo Mama" jokes and not one of them starts with, "Yo mama so pretty ..." "You mama so smart ...", etc. It isn't a joke unless there is something wrong with yo mama. Another obstacle is our cultural taboo against shocking language. A really good humorist says "shocking" things and sometimes, shocking language is the way to do this. Twain used raw language in Huck Finn to draw attention to a racial hegemony that most people of his day thought was perfectly normal. Interestingly, one of our most-beloved Mormon humorists, Uncle Golden Kimball would often use profanity, even from the pulpit. Even aside from profanity, we are constantly counseled against "light-mindedness" -- to not make light of "sacred" things. Now, in truth, not many religious sects encourage blasphemy (Lutherans excepted). However, in Mormon culture, almost everything is sacred -- from the scriptures to our sacred ordinances to our underwear (see how you winced at that bit of lightmindedness?). If Mormons can't joke about the most important things in our lives, then our humor must focus on trivialities, which can only hold someone's attention for so long. And one of the things that we hold most sacred are the prophets. In my three years in the church, I've never heard anyone say, "Hey, I've got a riddle for you. How many apostles does it take to pass the sacrament?" Stop cringing! I'm not going to tell you the punch line. Yet, comedians work on the opposite premise -- you only ridicule those at the top. That is why late-night talk show hosts hurl their barbs at politicians, celebrities, people who write LONG posts on religious boards at 3 am. You know, the winners in life. So, in short (too late), my theory is that we are too optimistic, civil, pious and respectful to be the least bit interesting. Am I missing something? Is there another reason why we have all of the comedic skills of the Amish (and only half their sense of fashion)? Or perhaps, I'm completely wrong and am overlooking our contributions to comedy. Who's your favorite Mormon comedian? In fact, I'll even take someone who has a Mormon-y sounding name, or just someone who likes carrots in their Jell-O. Anyone have any thoughts? Bueller? Anyone? I don't know. How many Mormons does it take to change a light bulb?
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