[Mid] A discussion on "silliness"

Someone wrote, pretty much summing up what most posters feel:

>It is my humble
>(but strong) opinion that silliness and mirth and humor and fun is a part
>of the human experience, and anyone who denies this part of themselves is
>denying part of what makes them human in the first place.

This statement concerns me. Hmmm, I'd better put in a caveat - I'm
not upset or mad, just concerned. I hope I'm allowed to disagree with
people.

Anyway. I personally didn't like the top 10 list of things to do in
court? Did I realize it was a joke? Yes. Just because I know it was a
joke, though, doesn't mean I have to find it funny, right? In fact,
it bothered me, because I do see people acting rude at courts. I do
hear people loudly making fun of heralds. I unfortunately wouldn't be
surprised to see spit-balls being tossed, and I get nervous thinking
that someone might read that post and think that it would be a fun
thing to do. So that is why the post bothered me. I'd rather not
read such posts, and I do hit the delete key when I realize it is
something I don't like. Unfortunately, I am a quick scan, so as the
e-mail flashes by I can't help but reading most of it. Oh well, my
problem.

It may seem odd, but my persona is that of a jester. However, I try
to be *very* careful in how I "jest". Making a joke about someone
(especially someone who doesn't know me) can really be hurtful. A
reasonable joke might not be appropriate at the right time. I might
do nothing wrong yet still hurt someone because of events I know
nothing about (they might have had a real-life event that justifiably
sours their mood). So people might not find what I do funny. Should I
be offended? Nope. Should I ignore their feelings? Definitely not!

I think it is important for all of us to realize that what we say does
have an effect. I still say things I shouldn't say (maybe this post
is one of them). I still joke around, but I try to be mindful of how
that might affect others.

And, referring back to the post I quoted above, just because I deny
what other people feel is "mere silliness", doesn't mean I'm denying
part of what makes me human. Do I have to find *everything* funny in
order to have a sense of humor?

- Midair, who did not send out anonymous e-mail, in case anyone was
wondering.

From: "Charles J. Cohen" <charles@eecs.umich.edu>
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Received on Mon Jan 26 09:48:18 1998