Jingle Bombs

Words: 1287
Pages: 6

In the beginning of “Jingle Bombs”, another form of social criticism can also be seen when Achmed’s ill-temper and insulting personality takes over and he refers to the guitarist as a “racist bastard” (Jingle Bombs). Achmed asks “Do I look like a leprechaun? I cannot even eat lucky charms, they go right through me”(Jingle Bombs). He also refers to the “x”s in lucky charms as hurting when they come out. Achmed is then seen as moving up and down on a stone apparently trying to defecate. He then says “Now I can fart in rainbow colors”(Jingle Bombs). As this act continues, Achmed calls Dunham a pervert and refers to his weiner as being an “Irish weiner”, which is magically delicious (Jingle Bombs). Are these comments socially acceptable or hurtful? …show more content…
In particular, Jeff Dunham makes use of the surprise theory, focusing on sudden and unexpected events. At one point or another, comedians make the audience feel uncomfortable, but it is because they are confronting realities that others choose to ignore. This is what shocks the audience because they are not expecting him to say things that he is saying. This piece also demonstrates the incongruity theory, that is, one of the most important explanations of humor according to most modern scholars and comedians (Rappoport 16). The incongruity theory is where things that do not normally go together replace logic, making things more humorous, overlapping with the surprise theory. Dunham utilizes this in the way that Achmed is actually a more timid person, especially when it comes to Dunham’s other puppet Walter, yet he is just an old white grumpy guy. This is a great representation of the incongruity theory and how the audience would never think a terrorist would be …show more content…
In Performing Marginality: Comedy, Identity, and Cultural Critique, Joanne Gilbert explores Phyllis Diller and Roseanne Barr and how they use comedy to express themselves whether it was Diller talking about facelifts or Barr insisting that she is overweight. In the article “Why are Comedians Important to Society?“, Srikar Vallabhaneni states, “Comedy has the ability to saw harshest of truths without creating any animosity in the room, and even if there is any animosity, it would be usually from people who don't appreciate any/good comedy or more importantly the harsh realities of the society that we live in”(Why are Comedians Important to Society). Throughout most comedic pieces, there are some type of social criticism whether it is brought up to shed some light or poke fun at someone or a topic. Generally, it is not meant to be offensive even though derogatory remarks are made. Alternatively, it can actually be healthy and alter the way you act and think about social