One of my self assigned jobs (or flaws) is and always has been, to look around and test the mood of the world around me.  The biggest change I have seen in recent years is the lack of humor.  Oh it still exists. but in fewer places, and with less good-natured fun. Yes there are a myriad of those who get paid to make us laugh, but they are overpaid.

When you look at television or movie humor today, it is mostly dark, pessimistic and cynical.  Television talk show humor is sarcastic and often cruel.  I know what those of you who know me are saying, sounds like Wayne. You’re right except that was only a part of my humor.  Self deprecating humor is important as it keeps the sarcasm in perspective.  It says yah but the humor pertains to me just as much as you.  We have become a society with less “natural humor” and a lot of forced humor that has only become an outlet for anger, and a way to look down on others.  We don’t laugh together any more.

Whew, you have to admit that this article is busting at the seems with  funny stuff.

The degree to which Facebook, Flickr Photos and other public forums has changed in just the past three years is amazing.  Yes you still see funny photos and written expressions of humor, and they are passed on to others, but the humor is all created by the same small group of individuals.  When you do post genuine humor it cannot be subtle.  Most people simply will not get it. Our minds are not seeing the humor (the good kind) in everyday life anymore.  We have chosen to believe what the press and the special interest groups of all political persuasions tell us, life is serious stuff and we are surely doomed if we do not figure out who to blame.  Hate and humor work together every once in a while but it gets old very quickly.  Don Rickles doesn’t really hate those people he makes fun of.

It seems to me that when humor is missing, a total lack of all joy cannot be far behind.  I hear so little joy in the spoken or written word.

I’m betting that people have been worse off than most (not all) of us are today.  Still all through history they have managed to keep their sense of humor.  I know we all “got it tough today” but just maybe we could take a hint from the generation of our parents and others, and try to look at the funny side of things. It couldn’t hurt.

The statement below is absolutely not meant to be a complaint.  There truly have been times in my life when it was easier to see the humor than it is right now.  I also no longer own the skills to be a humorist, a faulty (medically) brain will do that.  Still every single day I find no small amount of humor in daily life.  Maybe we all need to share it a little more.   I don’t know about you but many of the friendships that I have found throughout life, were kindled at least partly,  by a shared sense of humor.

Find those who still know how to laugh.