MERRY IN THE MIDDLE

Recently Michael Fox (maginethepossibilities.net) posted a wonderful blog challenging readers to consider the human condition as one about which we might cheerfully consider and merrily communicate.  Here are some excerpts:

“The most valued court jesters knit foolishness with uncommon insight. Satire and other tools of their trade allowed jesters to communicate difficult truth--even criticism--of the behavior and policies of the king and his court when others were stilled by fear. Though some regarded the jester as a bit "tetched" in the head, others reckoned him to be inspired by God.

The court jester illustrates the power of "old soul" humor and wisdom when artfully balanced--an uncommon amalgam that reflects Jesus' own distinctive fusion of grace and truth (John 1:12, 14).

But, when popular culture promotes humor that's sordid and sarcastic, how might old soul humor show up?

One, old soul humor--in contrast to the condescension of much of contemporary humor--is often an expression of humility and self-deprecation. The court jester was willing to play the fool rather than imposing the role upon another. Those who wield old soul humor can witness of the profound while paradoxically not taking themselves too seriously and--at the same time--disarm their opponents. Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard went so far as to suggest, "Laughter is a type of prayer." Author Terry Hershey commented on Kierkegaard's observation, "...with laughter, we give up our need to control, or manage or manipulate."

Two, old soul humor is inclusive; it tends to make others feel among "those who are in the know"--restoring a sense of power to the sorrowful and the oppressed. By contrast, sordid and sarcastic humor typically isolates its targets.

Three, old soul humor is grounded in truth. Like wisdom itself, it's a product of knowledge and uncommon discernment. The greatest humorists--from slapstick to satirists--have been astute observers of the human condition and relationships. Familiar with people and patterns, they can, therefore, identify unexpected connections, incongruities, ironies--the very stuff of humor.

Old soul humor--unlike its crude cousins--is tantamount to humility, empathy, and truth. Might old soul humor then be just another expression of wisdom?”

After considering Michael’s proffered framework of “old soul humor” as “inclusive” and “an expression of humility and self-deprecation,” I responded:

Michael-

I loved this piece. The type self-deprecating humor of which you speak was the grist which sweetened the media mill of the 30- 50s. Actors and actresses were reserved on and off screen and reasonably paid. Studios encouraged and nurtured their stables of talent and made sit coms, serials, talent showcase programs and movies which ranged from interesting to thrilling or even sensational while invoking higher values both of onscreen and audience participants. Game manufacturers appealed to our senses of fun or intrigue. Destination venues such as amusement parks and resorts provided relaxation, entertainment, and good, clean family fun.

In our personal and business lives we mimicked this decorum in our attire, our entertainment of and gatherings with friends, our parental guidance, and our general moral compass. Funny was not derisive. Scrupulous was not cynical. Satirical was not sarcastic. Disagreement was not destructive. Promotion and achievement were applauded in others. Attainment of middle class stature was an end unto itself, not a launching pad fueled by greed. In fact, friends and family assisted each other with a hand up so that all may enjoy a living wage, a happy home, and a secure future.

Are we happier in our 10,000 square foot homes than we were growing up in 1,500 square feet? Do we laugh more with 7-figure salaries than we did with 5-figure ones? Does a company whose top 3 executives each make more than any one of their entire departments' salaries make the world a better place than those factories whose managers made a premium wage, but not an obscene one, so that hundreds more may be gainfully employed?

I don't think so.

Thanks for reminding me why, when Golden Globes are being handed out to movies filled with violence, greed, and darkness, my DVR is filled with timeless titles such as
Spellbound, Last Time I Saw Paris, Royal Wedding, It's A Mad, Mad, Mad World, The Great Race, Old Acquaintance, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, Magnificent Obsession, I'll Cry Tomorrow, League of Gentlemen, The Detective, The Prisoner, A Man's Castle, Force of Arms, and The Prowler.

And so I conclude with 3 questions to readers of this blog.  After reading my exchange with Michael: What tickles your funny bone?  What informs your conversation style?  What’s on your DVR?