Humor is Power

Some thoughts on how being funny enables one to be pretty darn powerful...

- Most bullying in my high school days was through making fun of people. There wasn't much The Wonder Years-style slam-the-loser-into-the-locker physical intimidation. Mainly the popular kids/bullies/assholes would make fun of the losers (us losers...).

Fights at my high school would take place at a nearby bridge, off school property, and were high profile events. In my grade 9 year Kevin fought Colter and a couple years later Riley fought... some girl... but that was it. Two.*

- Not to compare bullies to Our Lord, but Jesus used humor, too. Two examples:

"Go the extra mile." This popular saying was coined by Jesus. It is not about self-sacrifice, pretty much at all. Its about power and it leans heavily on humor to wield it. Read "Example 1" at the bottom.

"Give him your cloak also." Jesus again. Basically he's recommending public nudity as a tactic in dealing with legal matters. "Example 2" at the bottom.

- Finally, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are highly influential. "I believe/agree with them because they say things about the world in a way that makes me laugh." Do you agree with that statement? I used to be a pretty political and pretty conservative dude and used to be jealous of their ability to sway people just because they were so damned funny.**

In sum, there's a lot of power in humor. Hell, I can remember as a kid making my little brother laugh so he wouldn't tell on me... I really think there's something here.

Maybe I should go try and be funnier?

* Maybe bullying is communicated through jokes because violence is so strongly suppressed in our society?

** Check out http://www.cbc.ca/thesundayedition/2010/10/october-31-2010.html (hour 3, early on) Here is an interview with professor Kelly McBride who offers - hands down - the best take on news media I have ever heard. I believe its about 6min in to hour 3.

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Example 1

"... “if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.” Once again we need to consider this text from within its contexts. The people hearing this would undoubtedly be very aware of the Roman Empire’s limitation of forced labor for its armies. You see, each soldier carried a pack that could weigh as much as eighty-five pounds. The powers that be wanted to allow the soldiers to enlist whatever help was needed but at the same time limit the anger occupied nations have toward the Empire. So, soldiers could “enlist” civilians to carry their packs, but only for one mile.

Now, not adhering to this law entailed severe penalties. If a civilian refuse, they incur the penalty. If a soldier made them go more than one mile, the soldier incurs the penalty. That is the first and obvious reason to offer to carry the pack a second mile – severe penalties for breaking the law. Immediately the power has shifted. Wink suggests that the scene would quite hysterical - a soldier asking, possibly even begging, for his pack back from a civilian. The civilian has taken the initiative away from the soldier."

Get the joke? "If I take your pack more than one mile your commanding officer is going to whip you! Hahahahahaaa!"

Example 2

"Wink also looks at, “and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well.” What good is there in giving more than is asked of you? Well, in thinking about this, it is important to ask why would someone be suing for clothes rather than money or some other substantial asset? Placing the text in its day and age, the Old Testament provides some answers. Exodus, Deuteronomy and Amos all contain examples of people suing for another’s clothing. It always happens when the person being sued is poor.

Once again it is a question of power. What is Jesus’ response? Is it to be a doormat and allow the person bringing the suit against you to not only have their way but also take extra? No. He proposes that they not only give their outer clothing but also all of there inner clothing, which in that day and age would leave them stark naked. What could possibly be the purpose in this?

Once again Jesus has suggested to creatively and nonviolently shift the power structure. Imagine the rich man standing there with the poor person’s clothing carelessly draped over his arm, all of it, while the poor person stands there (willingly at this point) naked. The embarrassment of the rich man is almost palpable, but it doesn’t end there. In Jewish traditions, public nudity is extremely taboo. The interesting point here is that the shame is not on the person who is naked but rather on the one viewing it."

New Years-ish Predictions

There's been some things that I've been predicting and I just want them out there. I think we can all agree its annoying when you predict/prophecy something, have it come true, and then not get the cred for calling it before everyone else.

1. This year yellow will be the #1 trending color. Pretty sure I'm right about this. Remember purple ties? Purple everything? Yellow is next. I think the World Cup - held in Africa for the first time ever - will have a ripple effect on clothing. Think the Ghanaian flag. (Serious)

2. The idea that "humor is power" will gain acceptance. I can remember sitting in a Critical Thinking class years ago and thinking about this as we studied fallacies. There should be a humor-based fallacy, since we must be far more likely to believe/agree with information or a viewpoint if we feel it has been shared with us in a funny way. As a social scientist, I'd say this trend has continued and will continue... to continue. Humor is pretty huge. Jon Stewart once said that his cultural/political influence "scared the hell out of him" - or something like that - anyways... very influential due to funniness.

3. Professional sports teams will make significant breakthroughs in identifying "injury-prone" athletes at young ages, so they can avoid them. Maybe there is a genetic answer? On the other hand, I do feel that the idea of "injury-prone" is probably more myth than reality. I'd have looked into this long ago if medical scholarly journals were free.... Anyways, athletes are investments and injury problems mean a diminished return on investment, so yeah... Gattica.

4. Former Blue Jay third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, and current 1B/DH will hit "54 home runs after a slight adjustment to his batting stance." (Not serious, credit to a commenter on my 2nd fave Jays blog for the humor that few else will get.)

Good luck not writing "2010" on checks, forms, and homework.

Worked up about Politics?

Why do some people care sooooo much about politics?

By "politics" I mean party politics, elections, "go out and vote", etc...

Why?

How many changes have we had in political leadership have we had in the past 50 years? Is there a noticeable difference in how we experience life in our cities, provinces, countries?

Maybe... Of course if we look at a yearly aggregate of our experiences - the beautiful, tragic, pretty good, oh shit, etc., I'd bet that which mayor/PM leads our government should be given a weight of about 0.000001% - well behind anything within our own personal spheres of influence.

So why get worked up over something that affects us so little?

And voting... We're all just allowed one damn vote - no matter how many yard signs, conversations (arguments) with friends, and other crap we do.

One vote is worth... one vote. But a mouthpiece from an 18-year-old library worker just might bring in many votes... maybe. Check it out here! http://uniter.ca/view/4650/

Why is this guy getting worked up about crap that doesn't really affect him?

Which reminds me: I've been checking Blue Jays scores for the last 90-minutes...

Thesis statement:

Politics = sports
Elections = playoffs

Probably pretty similar anyway. Voting is like cheering in its futility/effectiveness.

Politics = important
Sports = entertainment

That's what bugs me. There's not much of a difference. Can the "Get out and vote" bs. I don't try and guilt you into watching baseball.

You cheer for Judy, I'll cheer for the Blue Jays.

Specialty Channels

I don't watch TV. We don't even have one in our apartment.

But I think something fascinating is going on in the world of cable/satellite television.

Sportsnet One -

The Blue Jays' fan base is up in arms over Rogers new sports channel, Sportsnet One. The problem: pretty much all Blue Jays games used to be available through basic cable. Now Rogers has made a percentage of them available only on Sportsnet One, which is not currently part of basic cable/satellite packages. Fans (yes some of us enjoy watching baseball on TV) are angry because they are unable to watch many Jays games.

Rogers' solution to the problem they created: get cable/satellite providers pay a little more and make Sportsnet One part of basic cable, or get fans to pay the extra X.99$/mo. to subscribe to the channel.

Either way they get more money without adding any content.

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This appears to be the trend in the cable/satellite industry, and I suppose the previous sentence is the reason why. So many channels, so much redundancies in programming... I guess it doesn't really matter for me. It just seem so inefficient.

Seems like this is part of the trend of media companies are trying to find the most profitable combination of advertising (Do you actually watch the program?) and subscription revenue (Do you want the ability to watch the program?) streams. I think the bracketed questions are important. Makes me wonder where this industry is going long-term.

Anyways... I guess this doesn't really affect me.

Weddings!

Hey, went to a wedding last night, so here are a few thoughts on weddings!

- The wedding ceremony should not be too formal. There is a formality-spectrum at play here and its always a little painful when things are taken too seriously - like mom or God or the government are keeping track of every mistake. Laugh a little!

- I like the ceremony to be a time of encouragement, teaching, prayer, and worship. God is a good God who blesses, and its right to honor Him in a wedding ceremony.

- But no matter what the ceremony has to be 'short and sweet'. Six songs, too many. Twenty-minute sermon, way too long.

- Don't go nuts on wedding party pictures. I went to a wedding earlier this year where there was almost a 3-hour break between the ceremony and the reception. I know the bride, groom, & co are all dressed up but how many pictures of the same people in the same clothes do you need? Plus it is inconvenient for everybody else.

- Do go nuts on wedding pictures. Have a photographer taking pictures of all the attendees casually as the night goes on.

- Mingling. Another wedding I went to this summer did one thing very right. While the wedding party was off taking pictures, appetizers and some drinks (alcoholic and non) were provided for the guests as they stood and mingled. Food. Drink. Talk. Not complicated but well done. Can't talk during the ceremony and you're somewhat stuck at your table during the reception, but during this mingling time, you're free!

- Booze is a good call. Cost is a consideration, but have something - its a celebration, darn it! Put a couple bottles of wine at each table during the reception at least. If people at your wedding are bashful, politely request that the bottles be empty by the end of the evening. A toonie bar can also be considered.

- Stories. I can't believe people used to just tap their glasses for a kiss between the bride and groom. I like storytelling for kisses. Thankfully this seems to be pretty common these days.

- Slideshows. Most of this stuff is pretty common - but whatever - its still good to do. Just make sure you have the slideshow going at the appropriate pace. Being able to get the timing right on those things is an under-appreciated skill.

- Something creative. Whether its something planned or spontaneous, something at least a little out of the ordinary should be part of the evening. Something... story-worthy, or a memory people can share. A friend and I created and performed a parodied version of "Hotel California" at our friend's wedding this summer. The groom really appreciated it and and probably everybody will remember that highlight when they look back on the wedding.

- Dancing? Yes. You gotta! Remember to provide some drinks though...


So those are some thoughts on weddings. Clearly though, the most important part of a good wedding is going to be the people. If the bride and groom are happy, loved, and respected people, if their parents are good people (and generous - bonus!), if they are blessed with good friends - then it'll be a great time for all involved.

A difference between North End kids and suburb kids

Yeah yeah. North End youth may have be more likely to drop out of high school, collect social assistance, and have a lower life expectancy.

But I'll tell you the most important difference:

They don't wear f***ing helmets when they ride their bikes in the park!


This Wednesday we took about 15 North End youth to Assiniboine Park as part of a youth group outing. We had fun, did a scavenger hunt, and drove past the mansions on Wellington Crescent (which many of them had never seen). It was clearly "good times".

But seeing our kids in a Charleswood-Tuxedo environment created an interesting contrast.

Say what you want about the problems in the North End - they're there. Nobody's arguing that. But at least they can mess around as kids without the weird and ridiculous safety concerns of some cultures.

We let a couple youth bring their bikes along. It felt like they were the only people biking without helmets - in a freaking park. I was with them once and we were passed by an entire family - all of whom wore helmets. Perhaps making fun of someone for wearing a helmet is the correct evolutionary response?

A different example: One of my youth leaders brought large yellow rope and immediately started climbing a very large tree with several of the older youth. It was about 20 feet to the first branch, climbing just with the rope, your hands, and your feet. It was a little dangerous (I would have been in big trouble had this been some suburban youth group... and just to be safe(!) don't tell my boss anyway). But it was fun. One person scraped their arm - but everyone had a great time and was fine.

I've worked in the North End for four years now and I've never seen a youth riding a bike while wearing a helmet.

There's something refreshing about that.

Recent University Grad Blogs about Slo Pitch

Recently, I had the "privilege" of attending the league meeting for the Winnipeg Christian Men's Slo Pitch League (CMSPL). Approximately 25 team reps ranging in age from 20 to 45 were in attendance, plus league president, finance guy, head umpire, etc.

I know this sounds like it has all the ingredients for an engaging storyline - 2-hour meeting, middle-aged white males, slo pitch... What more could you ask for?

Thing is, slo pitch rules. And, while meetings can be torture, as a general rule if you're from Springstein, MB and have been running sports league in your hamlet of 90 people since you were nine, you owe it to the world to show up.

Let the slo pitch nerditry begin: Okay. What was wrong with the league was that the second half of the regular season was utterly meaningless. The first half of the regular season determined which teams would be in Divisions I, II, or III (thumbs up!). The playoffs were great, consisting of a round robin (essentially another "regular season" where every team in the division played each other once) followed by a semi finals and finals (...thumbs up!). But, in between these stood the second half, 12 games of baseball only served to create a completely nonsensical abyss of meaninglessness. Each team played the teams in its division twice, but it didn't matter if you finished first or last in your division. Everyone made the playoffs. No advantages to finishing first, etc. What kind of a league is that?

(Our proposal, by the way, was to simply expand the playoff round robin such that every team played the other teams in their division three times.)

Okay, so we get to the meeting (extremely fashionably late, as is our style) and we're on the agenda, which felt a lot like middle-aged white person street cred. We endure boredom. The meeting goes on. It comes to us. We share about the problem and brace ourselves for unmitigated success.

What happened next reminded me of something that I realized later could only be a clip from The Simpsons. You know the one with the Cat Burglar? Where the Springfield community gathers in Ned Flanders' basement to solve the problem?

I found the episode online here. Go to the 5:58 mark.

So, we spoke well, raised an excellent point... hooray for everything.... right???

But...

Then one of the reps had a concern - with our specific solution - "This might make things too competitive... we'll feel conflicted playing our weaker players." Yeah good point - I only sort-of agree, but absolutely fair enough.

There was another concern too, "We really like the final tournament on the weekend... all the teams are there at the same time, etc." And what? hold hands and sing Kumbaya and NOT hate each other? That happens to not be our experience with Springstein, but okay.

So, there's some indecision in the room. Another team has a proposal. Theirs is printed out and they have copies for everyone (uh oh...).

Long story short, in the span of about 20 minutes the league has changed - without proper debate or even a real vote - the entire playoff structure and second half of the regular season. We essentially no longer play 9-inning games, just 7-inning double-headers. Teams play each other four times during the second half. The entire playoffs are now also 7-inning games and crammed into one weekend, with the possibility of teams playing six games in two days.

Okay. Here's the conclusion.

As someone who is fascinated by leadership and organizational behavior, what transpired at our little slo pitch meeting has become a valuable lesson for me.

For a group to make a decision is pretty easy. Making a good decision, less so. The goal for any group should be to make the best decision possible given the resources at their disposal (creativity of group members, time, etc.). Most would have agreed that the league had a problem, but the team reps heard only two possible solutions - one of which was emailed to the group days in advance, another printed off and passed around as they explained it.

More solutions would have been great, I mean, if we knew we'd be changing the number of games played, innings/game, playoff structure, I suspect that an excellent league structure could have been achieved. Did we look at the pro's and con's of each solution? Did we look at how they ultimately fit with what we value in a baseball league? No.

I feel like a Winnipeg City Councilor here, but... I'm kind of seeing the importance of Process here....

We ended up achieving not-a-bad solution - but it had more to do with momentum than rationality.

Watch the Simpsons clip. Like many, many decision-making groups before us, we picked Homer Simpson.