If I got a paper cut, that's a tragedy. If you fell down an open manhole and died, that's comedy.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Comedy often relies on the scale of misfortune relative to the audience.
- In plain terms
- Small problems are tragic but big disasters can be funny.
- What can you take from it?
- Perspective determines whether an event is tragic or funny.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where is the line between funny and offensive?
- Does distance make tragedy funny?
Another view
Dark humor can be insensitive to those affected by real tragedy.
More from Mel Brooks
I don't believe in this business of being behind, better to be in front.
Permalink to quote #61 I only direct in self-defense.
Permalink to quote #63 Humor is just another defense against the universe.
Permalink to quote #60
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