@minafl1

1 year ago

I am thoroughly impressed with your analysis of Gen Z humor. I am a Gen X with two Gen Z kids and I confirm that your generation's humor is not just unique, but also contains complex layers that show your generation's understanding of multiple nuances. This is not often encountered in Boomer generation, the generation that grew up with pretty clear contrasts of good-bad, right-wrong. Their humor seems far more two dimensional than Gen Z. It is important to note that there are exceptions, as there are many exceptions to Gen X generation. I'd like to think of our generation as the ones that planted the right seeds of questioning status quo for the generations that came after. You are completely right that Millenials have a certain level of bitterness, of being duped, while the Gen Z looks at it with sober acceptance of what is. There is hope and innocence, mixed in with somber awareness of just how messed up the world is. Yet even the awareness of somber reality has a level of humor to it which might seem insensitive, but is really a coping mechanism. I spoke with my children often about these exact same things that you mentioned, regarding their unique humor and outlook on life. You really summed it all up very well. In some ways I think of you guys as the Sponge Bob generation, with presence of joy and innocence, despite and because the world being as it is. There are a few other unique things I noticed about Gen Z humor: taking a joke to another level by skipping the obvious punchline and one upping it with the one beyond it. So, the person hearing it would have to fill in the part that wasn't said in order to get the punchline. Or combining two well known funny things into a joke on another level. I have also noticed things like using worn out stories that have become cliche to Gen Z, to create a joke that starts of seeming like a legitimate normal story, only to soon escalate into something absurd. So, people expect to hear a boring, well known story, then are caught in genuine delight when the story reveals itself to be the set up for the joke. It truly is on a whole new level and I am delightfully surprised and intrigued by my children's humor every day. I have great faith in your generation, despite seeming lost at times. Of course, it's confusing trying to function in the reality that is, knowing very well that you must fundamentally change it. It's like having one foot in what is and one in what you want it to be. But, you'll get there. I have no doubt. You are literally maneuvering existing in this reality while simultaneously destroying what doesn't serve and creating what serves better. And you are doing it with fantastic humor too 😁👏👏👏

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