Random Thoughts

Day 106 (260) – It’s a tough time to think about comedy

It’s a tough day to even think about comedy, given the tragic events at Virginia Tech (our thoughts and prayers are with you Caitlin, and anyone else affected by the cowardly act of one, possibly two people).  But it’s also times like these that sometimes comedy is absolutely necessary.

Life is such a fickle and delicate thing, with so many ups and downs.  Given the state of the world, and events like today, it can be tough to try to stay positive.  Many people turn to religion and prayer.  Others to family members and loved ones.  And whatever gives us hope (whether it be religion, or love, or whatever, so long as it’s positive – i.e. not rage or revenge), is an amazing thing.

And that’s what I love about comedy.  Laughter is universal.  It doesn’t matter what race, religion, sex, social class, etc etc, you are – you laugh.  And laughter heals.  That’s what is so amazing about having the opportunity to be able to make people laugh (whether it’s through stand-up, improv, blogging, skits, whatever).  In way, I can maybe be a part of someone’s healing process.  I can somehow help make people forget (even if for just a second) about the tragedies in this world, and help them enjoy themselves.

Nate has observed that in some weird way, he has an inclination to think about funny things at a funeral.  And I’ve had the same experience.  It’s not because we’re insensitive, or even that we have a difficulty coping (ok, maybe it’s a small coping mechanism).   It’s because we see a community in pain, and our reaction is to want to help them heal in a way that we know how – laughter.

I can’t fathom the pain those victims went through before going wherever it is we go when we die.  And I can’t pretend to know what it feels like for those closely affected by today’s events.  But I can say, that when those families, and students, and friends, and everyone else is ready to heal, people will be there, ready to help them laugh.  And I’ll be one of those people, trying my damndest to do so.