---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When people know there's going to be…"
description: "\"When people know there's going to be something silly they allow you the space to be political.\" — Omid Djalili"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aae/omid-djalili-11543_people_when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-som_897312.jpg"
---

#  When people know there's going to be something silly they…

![“When people know there's going to be something silly they allow you the space to be political.” quote by Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aae/omid-djalili-11543_people_when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-som_897312.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aae/omid-djalili-11543_people_when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-som_897312.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aae/omid-djalili-11543_people_when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-som_897312.jpg)

> “When people know there's going to be something silly they allow you the space to be political.”

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People give leeway for silliness when they expect it, allowing political commentary.

**In simple terms:** Expectations shape tolerance.

Key Takeaway

Know your audience’s expectations.

Themes

communication politics humor

Mood

lighthearted reflective

Type

observational satirical

When to use this quote

- stand-up comedy
- political satire
- media interviews

Key Concepts

audience perception social norms

Questions to Reflect On

- When have you used humor to soften a critique?
- What risks arise from political jokes?

A Different Perspective

Humor can be misinterpreted if expectations are unclear.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Political](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/space/)

## Related quotes

> [I miss being silly with you but, this is me &amp; I'm just going to keep being silly until I found someone else to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-miss-being-silly-with-you-but-this-is-me-i-m-just-going-to-keep/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [I think it's a huge thing in a multicultural society that people know my name.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/i-think-it-s-a-huge-thing-in-a-multicultural-society-that-people-know/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [I just want people to know that. I'm not trying to make space for other trans women.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patti-harrison/i-just-want-people-to-know-that-i-m-not-trying-to-make-space-for/)

[Patti Harrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patti-harrison/)

> [The best people know that they should join a rocketship.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-altman/the-best-people-know-that-they-should-join-a-rocketship/)

[Sam Altman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-altman/)

> [Once I get out onstage, it's the same sort of basic production that it is anywhere else. But I might be a little bit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phoebe-snow/once-i-get-out-onstage-it-s-the-same-sort-of-basic-production-that-it/)

[Phoebe Snow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phoebe-snow/)

> [No matter how many people you know, but how many stop and stay in your heart that matters.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-parsai/no-matter-how-many-people-you-know-but-how-many-stop-and-stay-in-your/)

[Vikrant Parsai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-parsai/)

> [I think from what I personally know, I am really quite proud of most of the people I know who have 'made it,' who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-haley/i-think-from-what-i-personally-know-i-am-really-quite-proud-of-most/)

[Alex Haley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-haley/)

> [Talented people almost always know full well the excellence that is in them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlotte-bronte/talented-people-almost-always-know-full-well-the-excellence-that-is/)

[Charlotte Bronte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlotte-bronte/)

> [Funny how the people who know you the least have the most to say about you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/funny-how-the-people-who-know-you-the-least-have-the-most-to-say/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [People know that the Samajwadi Party will bring back Goonda Raj.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayawati/people-know-that-the-samajwadi-party-will-bring-back-goonda-raj/)

[Mayawati](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayawati/)

> [The only normal people you know are the ones you dont know very well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-normal-people-you-know-are-the-ones-you-dont-know-very-well/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [If you stay on the air for 18 years, people know you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cristina-saralegui/if-you-stay-on-the-air-for-18-years-people-know-you/)

[Cristina Saralegui](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cristina-saralegui/)

> [You're on Facebook, and you're supposed to know your sexual orientation at 13... Nobody really knows what's going on at that time, and people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cameron-mitchell/you-re-on-facebook-and-you-re-supposed-to-know-your-sexual/)

[John Cameron Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cameron-mitchell/)

> [I've been around in public life for a long time. I think people know what I stand for. They know that I have strong…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/malcolm-turnbull/i-ve-been-around-in-public-life-for-a-long-time-i-think-people-know/)

[Malcolm Turnbull](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/malcolm-turnbull/)

> [If I am going to be phased out by whatever powers, then I want people to know that it is not because I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/parvathy/if-i-am-going-to-be-phased-out-by-whatever-powers-then-i-want-people/)

[Parvathy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/parvathy/)

## More by Omid Djalili

> [The plight of the Baha'i community in Iran has served as a backdrop to my life growing up in London, particularly since the Islamic…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/the-plight-of-the-baha-i-community-in-iran-has-served-as-a-backdrop/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [I understand the power of words and ideas as I get older and as I become more responsible as a stand-up. I think the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/i-understand-the-power-of-words-and-ideas-as-i-get-older-and-as-i/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [And certainly in British culture, as I'm sure it's the same with American culture, we warm to cultures where people can make fun of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/and-certainly-in-british-culture-as-i-m-sure-it-s-the-same-with/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [I used to play Sunday football, but I have all but given up, because I'm too old and fat. After a 45-minute match I'd…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/i-used-to-play-sunday-football-but-i-have-all-but-given-up-because-i/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [I was six years old and in a show-and-tell session at school. The teacher had brought coconut shells, and said if you click them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/i-was-six-years-old-and-in-a-show-and-tell-session-at-school-the/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [I couldn't care less whether 'Sex and the City 2' was disappointing. I got to spend a week with the four girls and it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/i-couldn-t-care-less-whether-sex-and-the-city-2-was-disappointing-i/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [The first job I ever had was working for my dad, helping him out with some of his work as a translator - he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/the-first-job-i-ever-had-was-working-for-my-dad-helping-him-out-with/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [Muslims believe in Moses, Christ, Buddha, but they say Mohammed was the last, everyone in the world should become Muslims. The Baha'is believe their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/muslims-believe-in-moses-christ-buddha-but-they-say-mohammed-was-the/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [My English side really loves the royal family, and my Iranian side hates me for this.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/my-english-side-really-loves-the-royal-family-and-my-iranian-side/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [Stand-up gets much harder as you become older You become more conscious of how great an art it is and more embarrassed about what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/stand-up-gets-much-harder-as-you-become-older-you-become-more/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [Breakfast is French toast. It's very similar to English toast. The only difference is, when I'm eating it, a Turkish friend comes round and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/breakfast-is-french-toast-it-s-very-similar-to-english-toast-the-only/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [I'm a Baha'i. I'm not a Muslim. I'm Baha'i. And the Baha'i faith is such a sweet faith.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/i-m-a-baha-i-i-m-not-a-muslim-i-m-baha-i-and-the-baha-i-faith-is-such/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [But the Baha'is have never been helpless victims of their tormentors. Iran's government abuses them and countless others; the Baha'is respond with a peaceful…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/but-the-baha-is-have-never-been-helpless-victims-of-their-tormentors/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [I've always felt, and I think I've been pigeonholed by the media, as being a very separate voice to the rest of comedy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/i-ve-always-felt-and-i-think-i-ve-been-pigeonholed-by-the-media-as/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

> [My cut-off line is, you don't make fun of the prophet founders of a religion. That would just alienate people. But you can make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/my-cut-off-line-is-you-don-t-make-fun-of-the-prophet-founders-of-a/)

[Omid Djalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

[Explore all 59 Omid Djalili quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/)

## More People quotes

> [If I am going to be phased out by whatever powers, then I want people to know that it is not because I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/parvathy/if-i-am-going-to-be-phased-out-by-whatever-powers-then-i-want-people/)

[Parvathy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/parvathy/)

> [Some people still believe you should just fall in line with what's going on - and that's scary. It makes a mockery of freedom…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-robison/some-people-still-believe-you-should-just-fall-in-line-with-what-s/)

[Emily Robison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-robison/)

> [The truth seems to be that propaganda on its own cannot force its way into unwilling minds; neither can it inculcate something wholly new;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-hoffer/the-truth-seems-to-be-that-propaganda-on-its-own-cannot-force-its-way/)

[Eric Hoffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-hoffer/)

> [From Augustine down, theologians have tried to compel people to accept their special interpretation of the Scripture, and the tortures of the inquisition, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matilda-joslyn-gage/from-augustine-down-theologians-have-tried-to-compel-people-to-accept/)

[Matilda Joslyn Gage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matilda-joslyn-gage/)

> [I wanted to write about voodoo tradition that I feel has been very important to survival of black people here: people of the African…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesmyn-ward/i-wanted-to-write-about-voodoo-tradition-that-i-feel-has-been-very/)

[Jesmyn Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesmyn-ward/)

> [I feel like I definitely have a real sporty style, more so than a lot of people in G.O.O.D. Music.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/big-sean/i-feel-like-i-definitely-have-a-real-sporty-style-more-so-than-a-lot/)

[Big Sean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/big-sean/)

> [I feel like the future is unwritten. So many of the things that we write now haven't been about educating people on the environment,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-flansburgh/i-feel-like-the-future-is-unwritten-so-many-of-the-things-that-we/)

[John Flansburgh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-flansburgh/)

> [The only people who think the Internet is a calamity are people whose lives have been hurt by it; the only people who insist…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-klosterman/the-only-people-who-think-the-internet-is-a-calamity-are-people-whose/)

[Chuck Klosterman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-klosterman/)

> [Crony capitalism is essentially a condition in which... public officials are giving favours to people in the private sector in payment of political favours.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-greenspan/crony-capitalism-is-essentially-a-condition-in-which-public-officials/)

[Alan Greenspan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-greenspan/)

> [I think, here's what I've realized from interviewing people, and I've been very open about my Catholicism and my love of Christ and I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-mohr/i-think-here-s-what-i-ve-realized-from-interviewing-people-and-i-ve/)

[Jay Mohr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-mohr/)

> [For us who are now in power, we need to be challenged to serve the people and ignore our own egos and personal interests…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wangari-maathai/for-us-who-are-now-in-power-we-need-to-be-challenged-to-serve-the/)

[Wangari Maathai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wangari-maathai/)

> [When I was trying to come up with a stage name, I thought 'Lord' was super rad, but really masculine - ever since I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lorde/when-i-was-trying-to-come-up-with-a-stage-name-i-thought-lord-was/)

[Lorde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorde/)

> [By eating many fruits and vegetables in place of fast food and junk food, people could avoid obesity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-h-murdock/by-eating-many-fruits-and-vegetables-in-place-of-fast-food-and-junk/)

[David H. Murdock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-h-murdock/)

> [Some people give you that motivation to work harder simply to get the hell away from wherever they are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dane-cook/some-people-give-you-that-motivation-to-work-harder-simply-to-get-the/)

[Dane Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dane-cook/)

> [Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-morrison/pain-is-meant-to-wake-us-up-people-try-to-hide-their-pain-but-they-re/)

[Jim Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-morrison/)

[Browse all 211,607 People quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "When people know there's going to be something silly they allow you the space to be political.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Omid Djalili"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-something-silly-they-allow-you/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "People"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-something-silly-they-allow-you/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aae/omid-djalili-11543_people_when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-som_897312.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aae/omid-djalili-11543_people_when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-som_897312.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aae/omid-djalili-11543_people_when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-som_897312.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“When people know there's going to be something silly they allow you the space to be political.” — Omid Djalili",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Omid Djalili",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omid-djalili/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "When people know there's going to...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-something-silly-they-allow-you/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omid-djalili/when-people-know-there-s-going-to-be-something-silly-they-allow-you/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
