Absurd Quote by John Baldessari
“That word 'funny' always makes me feel uncomfortable. Because if I were trying to be funny, I would be something like Bill Wegman - he really tries to be funny. I don't try to be funny. It's just that I feel the world is a little bit absurd and off-kilter, and I'm sort of reporting.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: John Baldessari on Language and Humor, 2015
The speaker feels uneasy about the word “funny” because it implies a performance they don’t aim for, preferring to observe absurdity instead.
In simple terms: “Funny” feels forced; they prefer honest observation of oddity.
Key Takeaway
Accept personal style without forcing humor.
Themes
humor
authenticity
absurdity
Mood
introspective
analytical
Type
self‑awareness
creativity
When to use this quote
- stand‑up comedy
- social gatherings
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
self‑presentation
social expectation
artistic voice
Questions to Reflect On
- When does humor become a mask?
- How can you express absurdity without jokes?
A Different Perspective
Humor can be a social pressure that conflicts with personal authenticity.
![“[An article about Cho] started out, "Funny, sexy, zaftig Margaret Cho..." What is "zaftig?" Isn't that German for "big fat pig?" I guess I was lucky - "zaftig" is kind of a nice word. It could have been, "Funny, sexy, OBESE Margaret Cho."” quote by Margaret Cho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1a6/margaret-cho-1136_bigs_an-article-about-cho-started-out-funny-s_1079248.jpg)
