November 10, 1998
What's Funny
I am going to make a blanket statement: There is nothing in this world that cannot be joked about.
Now, this might seem impossible and outrageously untrue, but a joke's success is not purely based on the subject. Delivery is another key component to humor. A properly-delivered joke will make you laugh no matter how you feel about the subject.
Let's look at some touchy subjects. Religion is a hotbed for debate in America, but there are plenty of jokes about religion out there. For instance, Jesus is nice to have around if you're an alcoholic and all you have is a glass of water. The statement is so ludicrous that it can't really offend.
Some subjects are harder to create humor for. In particular, the subjects of rape and the Holocaust are very restrictive in the humor about them. However, a trained hand can craft a funny, non-offensive joke about them. I am not so-skilled and will not dare attempt such at this moment. To hear an example, try listening to George Carlin's "Rape is Funny."
Now, this doesn't give anyone a free license to joking about everything under the sun. A badly-crafted joke could start wars. It takes time and experience to be a good humor writer. As I say to novices on the lampoon staff, "Nazis funny, Holocaust not funny."
Out of curiosity, is there anything you feel should never be joked about?