Inappropriate? What is that?

“I like to crack the jokes now and again, but it’s only because I struggle with math.” This is one of my favorite quotes spoken by one of the most inspiring comedians, Tina Fey. No words have ever sounded so clear to me, and no message still resounds in my mind as often at this message. Humor comes easily to some people, almost spoken as often as a second language, just as mathematic geeks find equations just as easy to comprehend as English. I am unfortunately lacking in numerical intelligence, but I find the subject of humor as familiar as my innate language. Book smart people often connect math to daily life experiences, just as comedic people connect humor to every, simple daily activity. I believe humor is my long lost niche, and it is what I am most passionate about in life.

Growing up with a witty father and equally witty sister, I was often lagging behind in my sense of humor and found myself the brunt of every good and bad joke. I often appeared as the black sheep, not meshing with my family who so comfortably knew how to find amusement out of almost anything. It took many years of playful banter and harmless ridicule for me to finally be able to keep up with a joking rally with my family members. Whereas I could follow along, darting my eyes back and forth trying to catch each joke between my loved ones, I still found it challenging to crack a joke myself. Never knowing the appropriate time to plant a wisecrack, as a child my “jokes” seemed very awkward and forced, especially in comparison to my naturally comedic sister. Today, I am proud to say that humor is not only my safe haven in times of unfamiliar awkwardness but also my best friend.

There are many types of humor in my opinion, the most common are as follows: immature and eye-brow raising worthy, average, and dry and actually funny. I would say that I most nearly fall under the last mentioned category which was “dry and actually funny.” This type of humor is hugely laced with sarcasm and more advanced, mature jokes that often take an uncomfortable second to process, or to those who humor doesn’t come so naturally, the jokes are never understood. People like myself tend to believe that comedy is never inappropriate, actually I would go so far as to say it is most always encouraged, even in the most serious situations. Comical people don’t understand the meaning of “inappropriate”, in the best forms of humor there are no boundaries or lines to cross.

I firmly believe in the power of humor and the passion behind it. Humor is the healthiest way to escape from the daily world and take an amusing adventure in your mind. Laughing at myself and my own jokes reminds me to never take life so seriously because doesn’t that just get boring? Humor excites and fascinates and entertains me, there is never a dull moment. Every day I mature in my comical ways, learning from the most experienced clownish jesters around me. My father has often encouraged me, “Find something you love, make it your job, and it will never seem like work,” and if I envision myself in a perfect world I see myself using my biggest strength, humor, every day to make a living. Nothing pleases me more than picturing myself up on that Saturday Night Live stage, doing what I love the most.

I pity those who will never understand humor or refuse to lighten up and try to enjoy a witty gag, because I am convinced that humor can bring sunshine to a life that would otherwise be dark and gloomy. I see my sense of humor as a trusty best friend that brings you constant comfort, joy, laughter. I was fortunate myself to learn from my naturally witty family members, but I would encourage everyone to study humor just as often as you study math or science. Often times after learning a grueling math lesson, I question when I would ever use the information in my daily life. Questioning humor never crosses my mind, it is as important to me as my first name or every day language. Comedy can bring a bright smile to a man who always appears grim, happy tears to a young girl with heartache, blissful wrinkles to an elder who has lived a long happy life. Jokes are the answer to every nagging question that appears impossible to answer. Humor makes sense to me; it has saved me from what could have been a long, unhappy life.