Comedy is Love

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

If comedy isn't a love language, then I don't know what love is. And if I don't know what love is, then that might explain why my girlfriend lives 583 miles from me...

(And yes, sometimes I start sentences with conjunctions. That rule is outdated. )

Dr. Gary Chapman is famous for describing the five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical/Touch.

Placing comedy in just one of the five love languages doesn't do comedy justice. Comedy sometimes uses words, but they're hardly words of affirmation. Don't get me wrong, comedy is often a declaration of truth, but more often then not, it's a declaration that has an underlying message of disbelief.

This is the Face of a Survivor/
One of my favorite comedians

Fighting for Peace is like Screwing for virginity. 
                                                                                                                        - George Carlin

Comedy can be seen as an Act of Service. Comedians provide a service that people need. People need to laugh. More importantly, people need to laugh at the world.

Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you findlaughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.
                                                                                                                          - Bill Cosby

However, comedy is more than an Act of Service (I mainly say that because I'm following through with my thesis.) A wise man once said, "Comedy, when done right, is a gift of wisdom, wrapped in a funny package so you don't forget it." (Ladies and gentleman, I am that wise man.) Comedy is a gift for both the audience members and the comedian. For the audience, it is a time for laughter and joy. For the comedian, along with the laughter,  it is an outlet for his ideals, and feelings (and perhaps his or her repertoire of nice dick jokes.)

The last love languages are quality time and physical/touch. Live comedy shows can be great quality time to have with loved ones. Keep in mind though that only the comedian should be talking. (Nobody likes quality time with hecklers.) Also, it is only appropriate if a comedian touches you metaphorically. If a comedian gets physical with you, then it is probably not part of their act, and you should get help immediately (Didn't this blog start off with a MLK Jr. quote?) I digress, my point is that although comedy does fit certain love languages, one love language does not encompass all that comedy is. 

I love comedy. Therefore, I share that love with others. 

So what was the point of this blog?

There is no greater love or service than comedy. So this MLK Jr. Day, you should go see Clifton Simmons at the Rivercenter Comedy Club!

Great local comedians including: Larry Garza (Host of Public Axis), George Anthony (Host of Bootleg), and C.I. Jackson (Probably has a podcast too) will be performing for you on your day off. Also, Big Cliff was gracious enough to give me a five minute guest spot!

Who's Big Cliff?

Clifton Simmons is an improvisational comic who mixes rap, poetry, and music to relay sensational stories about life in a unique "His-Panic" style. He will be in the upcoming film, "Last Friday" produced by Ice Cube. Catch him before he blows up!