Jeff Thomas
New member
Well, I've been reluctant to bring this up, assuming that I am one of the few at TFL with this embarassing afflication. But of late, I've concluded that I may actually be only one of many who suffer from this malady.
I say this with trepidation and shame, but ... but ... I fear I can no longer discern satire.
That's right ... sometimes I worry that I've gotten the joke when there is none, or that I haven't gotten the joke when there is.
For example, years ago, when I first heard about asset seizures and the 'offender' had not even been charged with a crime ... well, I didn't believe it. But ... I was proven wrong. At that point I vowed to be ever vigilant, and better perceive humor versus legislation.
But, this week we hear of the '5 x 5' beer keg rule in Ohio, calling for a 5 day waiting period for beer. Well, I searched the web until, voila, I ... confirmed the story! Shocked I was, but I was proud I hadn't fallen into the trap, and followed my gut feel ... that the story surely was satire.
But, then I hear of a 1 keg rule, new legislation by Pataki, and the latest shenanigans of PETA. Where will it all end?
Alas, tonight I consider the life before me, and realize that I may be completely unable to discern satire unless I'm on the Internet!! What if I'm in a conversation somewhere, and someone makes an absurd comment? How can I possibly know whether they're kidding, or if this is simply some legislation I haven't heard of?
Or, I could be at a comedy show, and the comedian is cracking the crowd up with one silly comment after another. I'll be taking notes furiously, hoping to check them out at TFL or elsewhere when I get home!
Woe is me! How can I ever laugh again?
Live and let live. Regards from AZ
I say this with trepidation and shame, but ... but ... I fear I can no longer discern satire.
That's right ... sometimes I worry that I've gotten the joke when there is none, or that I haven't gotten the joke when there is.
For example, years ago, when I first heard about asset seizures and the 'offender' had not even been charged with a crime ... well, I didn't believe it. But ... I was proven wrong. At that point I vowed to be ever vigilant, and better perceive humor versus legislation.
But, this week we hear of the '5 x 5' beer keg rule in Ohio, calling for a 5 day waiting period for beer. Well, I searched the web until, voila, I ... confirmed the story! Shocked I was, but I was proud I hadn't fallen into the trap, and followed my gut feel ... that the story surely was satire.
But, then I hear of a 1 keg rule, new legislation by Pataki, and the latest shenanigans of PETA. Where will it all end?
Alas, tonight I consider the life before me, and realize that I may be completely unable to discern satire unless I'm on the Internet!! What if I'm in a conversation somewhere, and someone makes an absurd comment? How can I possibly know whether they're kidding, or if this is simply some legislation I haven't heard of?
Or, I could be at a comedy show, and the comedian is cracking the crowd up with one silly comment after another. I'll be taking notes furiously, hoping to check them out at TFL or elsewhere when I get home!
Woe is me! How can I ever laugh again?
Live and let live. Regards from AZ