Laugh: Always. All Ways.

I came up during the 90s, an era of transformative music, dope cartoons and surprisingly emotionally strong kids. We learned a lot about ourselves at lunchroom tables or during downtime after some group activity. Whether you called it “roasting,” “joning,” “ribbing” or if you grew up a bit slower, “playing the dozens,” it was a necessary part of being a kid. We would clown each other with comedic-like poise all while eating shitty pizza and that same damn carton of chocolate milk. The creativity necessary to hold your own was apparent, as more often than not, the kids with less were funnier. From “yo momma” jokes to “you so (insert insult),” we had a good time. Although we were going at each other’s superficial and sometimes cosmetic failings, it was all in fun. Even when it went too far, we all knew some jokes just weren’t funny and would stay away from the really touchy topics. It made us creative, but it also made us tougher. A day of getting clowned on for a bad outfit choice on the first day of school is some humbling shit – I've seen it 

For the most part, I only surround myself with honest and authentic people and sadly, we’re often looked at as assholes for enjoying and basking in these lighthearted moments. The guys are seen as jerks and the girls are seen as bitches, but in my mind were merely bringing light to situations when our “friends” are fucking up. Then we get the kids who try their hardest, but honestly the bad jokes are the worst; as you know it’s supposed to be funny, but you really don’t get the humor in it—yea, I’m looked at as an ass for not laughing at a bad joke these days too. I wouldn't call people too sensitive as that's a fluid concept, but its time to get over yourself. Stop taking everything so seriously, especially in a social setting. Players fuck up to, even me, and I expect and appreciate a good roast from time to time as it keeps me on my toes. 

If we can’t laugh at ourselves and at one another in good spirit without some implied malicious intent, what fun can be left? If we must withhold every ounce of humor in the name of “protecting everyone’s feelings,” then we truly are a society full of punks.