Introduction
For this project, we were tasked with creating a final product that included humor and humor techniques. We were tasked with this so that we could analyze famous humorists such as Kurt Vonnegut, and so that we can learn about the different types and then learn to create our own humor. I valued this project because it was a very fun way to end the year and it was very interesting and made with lots of creative freedom. For my project, I decided to work with Annie, Thomas, and Eric, and we decided to write and produce a rap. We wanted it to be about Mr. Flo and Mr. Greco, and to reflect our time at Freestyle Academy. We also thought that it would be funny if we got them to sing their parts, and make it a sort of rap battle. I am very happy with how this came out and love how many inside jokes we were able to fit in, that accurately represents the past two years. I hope you enjoy!
Humorist Analysis
The humorists that I chose for this project are Dan Harmon and Elizabeth Meriwether. I specifically wanted to focus on Dan Harmon’s writing in the TV show Community, and Elizabeth Meriwether’s work on the TV show New Girl. I really enjoy both of these writers because of the humor techniques they use. I also really enjoy how they both make something so lighthearted and funny but also deep at the same time. In the TV show Community, it focuses on the growing friendship between people in a study group attending the same community college. This is a similar idea in New Girl, and shows the new friendship between a girl, Jessica Day, who moves into a loft with 3 guys. In both of these, each group forms a tight knit friendship, overcome difficulties, and have a lot of good banter between them.
Dan Harmon specifically tends to use lots of absurd humor, banter, callbacks, irony, wisecracks, and wit. These tools tend to keep the viewer entertained, and also relate back to previous times in the show, and the jokes tend to get funnier as you grow a connection to the characters more and more. These jokes are also very strong because they come up close to the line of black and blue humor, but manage to keep it light and fun. All of the characters are very different, and so they tend to have a lot of differences, but this leads to a lot of types of humor used. Additionally, as they get closer to each other, the jokes become more and more like banter between siblings. Another hilarious character is Mr. Chang, the Spanish teacher, who introduces a ton of drama and absurd humor mixed with lots of funny voices and unpredictable actions. Another nice thing about this show is that you do not need to watch the episodes in order to enjoy the show, but if you do it unlocks a whole complex storyline. Overall, this blend of humor leaves something for everyone, and it hooks you in.
In contrast, New Girl has a lot of absurd humor, but also the characters tend to fight more and have a lot stronger banter between each other. The show is focused less on what happens around them, and more specifically about the group dynamic and how changes in their individual lives affect the other characters. I enjoy how this show requires less craziness around them, so you can focus on your connection to the characters growing. One of my favorite parts about the show is the “Douche Jar” that they gave to Schmidt, one of the main characters. He is known to make obnoxious comments, and ends up having to pay large amounts for what he says. This makes it so interesting and adds another element of comedy because you laugh at the joke, and then laugh because of how he is having to pay for it. Another thing that makes New Girl different from Community, is how you do need to watch this show in order, and it makes your connection to the characters much stronger. The storyline follows the group and as the plot progresses, you tend to enjoy it more and more, along with the slow burn romances and new friendship.
Overall, these two tv shows share a lot of similarities, but also some distinct differences. They use a lot of the same similar techniques, and all with the common goal of bringing the characters closer together along with connecting the viewer to the group dynamic. This is why these two shows are so successful and keep people hooked, because they make the viewer feel good and laugh.
Reflection
For me, humor is a large part of my life. I especially enjoy watching shows and movies, and I love how humor can bring people closer together. My favorite type of humor is witty humor, and when in a funny situation, someone is able to come up with something random but related to make everyone laugh. I especially love this situation humor because it is natural and it is not forced. I think that when people just stand and try to make jokes, it is very hard, but natural jokes are an underrated form of humor and can be much funnier. I especially enjoy these random announcements of absurd humor, along with pushing the boundaries of roasts and making fun of yourself and those around you. Some of the funniest times in my life have been where it’s just me and a friend talking and coming up with funny remarks on the spot.
Another thing that I find remarkable about those two TV shows is how the humor brings the people much closer together. This is something that I think also reflects in my personal life. All of my good friendships were made as a result of funny situations and jokes, and I think that it is hard to have a friendship or a relationship with people if you can’t laugh and joke around with them. This is also why I love these two shows because they replicate that same dynamic that I have in real life with my friends. It is realistic, and that is why it is funny. Although of course they have a lot more drama and absurd situations, it still brings that realistic element and makes you want to find friends and people to make you laugh like that. I also think that it brings a lot of enjoyment and lighthearted humor to my life just watching them interact, and it is a good way for me to relax and unwind when I can just watch them and immediately know that I will have a good time.
Another type of humor that I love to use in real life and enjoy is dry humor. This is used frequently in the shows too, but I especially love sarcasm and how when you are close to people, your tone of voice alone can say a lot. I think this is a very underrated form of humor, however I think it is hard to set up without a close relationship with the people around you. A lot of the time, the sarcasm and dry humor can get mixed up, and can become hard to understand. When done right, it is hilarious and especially when your friends around you work to continue the bit longer. These lead to the funniest conversations after and are a great way to connect you further to those around you.
In my own project, I hope to include these types of humor and to try and convey these techniques. I want to make people laugh of course, but also feel closer to me and feel like they have a deeper understanding of me because of it. I think this is one of the most important things about comedy, and so it is really important for me to achieve this because it is one of the best feelings.
Humor Script
Mr. Flo:
Yo it’s Money Flo from Digital Media
Keyboard shortcut encyclopedia (F9)
Bars get meatier, kids get greedier
When it comes to internet, ours is speedier
Cookin in the stu and i’m as hot as a meteor (hot)
Seasick beat when it’s leaving you queasier (bleh)
My name is Mr flo, if there’s no wind row
My whole life story is on the evo (what)
Listen to the beat i made in pro tools (MIDI)
Im the music master dont play with me fools (It’s Flo)
Flexbox, after effects, i’m the tech preacher
Greco remember how I was your teacher
I love making photoshop compositions (blend modes)
Big new campus thats a new rendition (huge)
I got a big laser that cuts some wood
you know money flo was raised in the hood (slatt)
My laser cutter catches every detail (precise)
If you want some info, check your email (spam)
No other teacher that raps this hard
Go to freestyleacademy.rocks/bars (bars)
Mr. Greco:
Big steppin, Roth-ko reppin
G bands in the house with no discretion (yeah)
I read essays for a living, that’s my jo-ob
My rhymes are cool like my cousin Rob (it’s Rob!)
Reading rothko and we’re painting him red
I could be making money but I teach instead
Optometry and glasses you can call me an owl (Purdue)
English to the bone when I’m teaching you vowels
When i’m at the club you know i’m getting mobile
That line was anec-do-tal (laugh)
I got that dog in me you know that i’ll bark (woof)
I love taking theo out to the park
They say, all my opps are a threat
I say, all my opps are dead (slatt)
Don’t even think about spinning the block
My wife solves crimes so you’ll get caught (shh)
Earthseed is the new deuteronomy
My nut graf fresher than Eminem’s discography
I know a lot of words, I don’t know about you
I just hit a lick, then I wrote a Haiku (poet)
Call me Walter White I cook like no other
Don’t have a little sister but I love Big Brother (Orwell)
Freestyle rapping, I’m a god, and it shows
This verse will leave the rap game dead, so it goes (dead)