Military veterans use comedy to cope with the waiting and uncertainty that comes with serving in the armed forces.
Ask any veteran, and they will tell you that serving in the military often involves a lot of waiting. Waiting to leave, waiting to come back, waiting in line, or on watch. But amidst the waiting, one thing has the power to make it all bearable: humor. Veterans have long relied on humor to turn hours into minutes and find solace in the mundane or the mistakes. Comedy in the military is a special brand that plays to a diverse audience and finds interesting angles on boring routines. It is always irreverent in some way, providing a much-needed release from the hardships of deployment.
The Power of Humor in the Military
Humor has a unique ability to bring people together and lighten the mood in even the most challenging situations. In the military, humor serves as a coping mechanism, allowing service members to find joy and laughter amidst the chaos and uncertainty. Whether it’s sharing funny stories or making light of mishaps, humor helps smooth the rough edges of life on deployment and fosters a sense of camaraderie among troops.
Comedy as a Tool for Connection
The Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) is an organization that recognizes the power of comedy in the military community. Through comedy shows and workshops, ASAP provides a platform for military veteran comedians to connect their service experiences to broader themes of pride and reckoning. These shows tackle difficult topics such as war, race, patriotism, and healthcare, allowing veterans to share their unique perspectives through humor.
Breaking Down Barriers
Comedy has the ability to break down barriers and create a space for open dialogue. Veterans from diverse backgrounds, brought together by their shared service, find themselves laughing alongside each other at comedy shows. The cultural diversity within the military community is a testament to the beauty of America, as people from different walks of life come together and form lifelong friendships. Comedy becomes a tool to bridge these differences and foster understanding among veterans.
Vulnerability and Critique
Veterans use comedy as a means to offer both praise and critique for their country. By being vulnerable and making themselves the butt of the joke, they model how to navigate sensitive topics with humor. After comedy shows, conversations between the comedians and the audience provide an opportunity to unpack jokes that may have landed awkwardly. These discussions delve into important issues such as race, safety, and differing perceptions of patriotism, allowing for a democratic dialogue among strangers.
Knowing Your Audience
One crucial lesson that both comedians and military personnel learn is the importance of knowing your audience. In comedy, understanding the sensibilities and experiences of the crowd is essential to delivering a successful performance. Similarly, military men and women share stories during the waiting, tailoring their narratives to resonate with their fellow service members. This lesson extends beyond the stage or the barracks, reminding us all of the need to understand and empathize with others to foster meaningful connections.
Conclusion:
Humor has long been a vital tool for veterans to cope with the waiting and uncertainty that comes with serving in the armed forces. Comedy allows them to find joy, forge connections, and navigate difficult topics with grace. Through organizations like the Armed Services Arts Partnership, veterans continue to use comedy as a means of self-expression and connection. By embracing humor and understanding their audience, veterans showcase the power of comedy to bridge divides and foster dialogue. As we celebrate Veterans Day, let us appreciate the humanity of those who have served and recognize the resilience and creativity they bring to the stage and beyond.
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