Do's and Don'ts of Humor in Public Service
Self-Deprecation vs. Arrogance and the Resulting Outcomes
Introduction
Let’s begin by stipulating that humor, especially stand-up comedy, can be categorized into two primary styles: self-deprecating and arrogant. Each style has its champions and its place in comedy clubs and the broader cultural landscape, including public service.
Self-Deprecating Humor: The Art of Laughing at Oneself
Self-deprecating humor is characterized by the comedian’s ability to poke fun at themselves, often highlighting their own flaws, mistakes, or misfortunes in a relatable and endearing way. This type of humor is grounded in humility and vulnerability, creating a bond with the audience through shared imperfection.
Rodney Dangerfield: Famous for his catchphrase, “I don’t get no respect!” which perfectly encapsulates his self-deprecating style.
Ellen DeGeneres: Her early stand-up routines frequently joked about her own quirks and foibles, making her personal anecdotes a source of humor.
Woody Allen: Known during his early career as a stand-up comic for his neurotic and self-critical persona, his humor often explores themes of personal inadequacy and anxiety.
Tina Fey: Her memoir Bossypants and her portrayal of Liz Lemon on 30 Rock often play up her character’s awkwardness and life’s little embarrassments.
Jim Gaffigan: Excelling in self-deprecating humor, he often pokes fun at his own laziness and dietary habits, resonating with audiences through his ordinary and approachable demeanor.
These comedians use their personal shortcomings as a source of comedic gold, inviting the audience to laugh with them in a shared human experience.
Arrogant Humor: Dominance Through Wit
In contrast, arrogant humor is marked by its outward focus, with comedians targeting others with their wit. This style often involves a sense of superiority where the humorist mocks or belittles others to get laughs.
Don Rickles: Known as “Mr. Warmth” for his biting sarcasm, mastered the art of insult comedy with his sharp and often controversial insults.
Joan Rivers: Employed a bold, no-holds-barred approach to comedy, often critiquing celebrities with her acerbic wit.
Ricky Gervais: Known for his cutting and sometimes controversial humor, especially during his stints as host at the Golden Globes.
Jerry Seinfeld: While often seen as observational, Seinfeld’s humor occasionally edges into arrogance with his acerbic observations on the minutiae of daily life. He presents himself as a bemused observer of others’ follies.
Bill Maher: Known for his political satire and sociopolitical commentary, Maher frequently employs a superior, sarcastic tone in addressing serious topics, often provoking laughter and controversy.
Public Servants: Learn The Do’s and Don’ts of Humor
Let’s talk about humor’s role in an elected official’s daily life. In fact, let’s start at the top: Presidents of the United States and their comparative uses of humor.
Let’s talk about Donald Trump and Abraham Lincoln. I know, I know: it’s sacrilege to mention them both in the same sentence, but hear me out.
Abraham Lincoln
Known for his humility and self-deprecating humor, Lincoln often used anecdotes and stories to make his points, defusing tensions and illustrating his arguments. His humor was gentle and inclusive, designed to bring people together rather than create division. Lincoln’s jokes and tales often served as icebreakers or a means to soften criticism, showing his ability to laugh at himself and diffuse the arrogance usually associated with power.
Donald Trump
Trump’s humor is often characterized by its directness, sharpness, and sometimes controversial nature. I’d even suggest he’s gone so far as to adopt (and steal) elements of classic Don Rickles’s shtick. His style heavily leans towards what can be categorized as arrogant humor. He frequently uses sarcasm, insults, and ridicule, often targeting opponents, critics, or anyone he perceives as an adversary. This approach mirrors the style of an insult comic, where the humor is aggressive and meant to assert dominance. His use of humor is often seen during speeches, rallies, and notably on social media, where he leveraged snappy one-liners and nicknames to belittle competitors.
Implications for Public Discourse
The choice of humor style can profoundly affect public discourse. While self-deprecating humor fosters a sense of equality and shared humanity, making it generally more palatable to public servants, arrogant humor can alienate and divide, turning serious discussions into arenas for mockery. When practiced by someone in a power position, this is commonly known as “punching down.” It doesn’t ever come off as funny. It is divisive.
One can reasonably conclude that the speaker uses it to fortify his position with the present audience, who are already for him; all others are left to conclude that the speaker is against them. As a result, the speaker loses the support of those who are undecided. It is a self-defeating strategy.
Conclusion
Humor is a multifaceted tool that, depending on its use, can either bridge gaps or widen them. As we continue to navigate the complex interplay between humor and leadership, the styles of humor we endorse and encourage will shape our laughter and societal values and norms. As leaders like Trump blend the lines between entertainment and leadership, it becomes crucial to consider the long-term effects of “punching down” on public dialogue and trust in public institutions.