Judging people isn't always a naughty thing. Take your favourite TV show, movie or even commercial - the root of your enjoyment is probably laughing at another person or better yet, a perfectly positioned stereotype. It's the way of our generation: we pick up a pattern, we break it down and then, we make fun of it. If it's done well - hate to say it - it's genius.
Family Guy understands this. I admit, it's not my favourite show (yes, favoUrite - I'm a Canuck) but they certainly know how to pick up a stereotype (pattern), dissect it's perceived value (break it down) and then pick the funniest/offensive bits to boost their humor advantage. It's a simple equation that defines many young adult's sense of humor.
"Why a stereotype?" you ask. Because, stereotyping is an unspoken alliance often including thousands of people who enjoy someone defining their similar experiences for the sake of entertainment. And they're always on the lookout for more. You know when people say that they love "people watching"? Well that's just an I-love-quirky-coffee-shops kind of way of saying they love superficially judging people based on what they wear and how they walk down the street. I'm not saying that's a bad thing - hear me out - let's just be honest with what we're all doing, here.
I'd argue that even a stereotype reference is more engaging than a pop culture reference. As a wee one, you carefully watch and listen to everything around you. It's not until you're a teen or young adult that you actually step back and lightheartedly laugh at those patterns. Seriously. How many of you, after seeing Superbad, thought you had a friend just like Fogel? I know I did and his real name was actually Fergil. But then a colleague of mine said they had a friend like McLovin, and then another colleague piped up and said... Well, you get the idea. Those guys with Superbad did some serious research and found the perfect stereotype that their target market could easily identify with and make fun of. Awesome.So that's what this blog is all about, kids. Picking up the patterns in life, breaking em' down and making fun of them. However, let me make one very important point: I am not endorsing any negativity whatsoever towards minorities, religions, sexual preferences, etc. But if you are a douchebag of any type, I might make fun of you. And... I'll also share some of my fav youtube clips of perfectly deserving uploaders. Sound good?
-JP
PS - Sorry, Fergil.
