Segment 4 (2021) - Your Ideas

[Paul Terlemezian]

What is your idea? What are you willing to share? What do you wish to protect? What insights do you wish to gain from those who participate in your breakout session?

Humorists:

• Karyn Buxman
• Brent Darnell
• Flip Wilson and Redd Foxx
• Joan Rivers

Panelists:

• Bill Crose
• Doug Dell
• Kellie Huff
• Robin Spangler
• Amanda Sutt

Moderators:

• Richie Cullom

Remarkable Speakers (Listeners:)

• Hal Schlenger
• Mike Woodard

[Brent Darnell]

From the humorist point of view::  Humor is a big part of creating trust and allowing people to be themselves.  Humor unites us.  It's a common language.  When we laugh together, we are one.  I find it interesting that humor also creates humility. When we make a mistake and can laugh at ourselves, we are being humble.  When we approach the implementation of an idea, if we go into it with humor and humility, I think we can be ready for just about anything.  Humor also reduces fear. There is nothing that will hold back innovation more than the fear of making a mistake or looking "stupid".  But what if we embraced looking "stupid"?

Also, humor is taking a beating now.  Much of humor is making fun of people who are different, sexual innuendo, mental health, addictions, and family dynamics.  Many of these topics have become taboo now and folks can be canceled for trying to be funny.  I have been watching old Saturday morning cartoons lately and some would be deemed racist, misogynist and inappropriate today.

Also, watching a lot of Key and Peele, Dave Chapelle, Margaret Cho, and other comedians who are in a minority group. They have the courage to speak about these topics and, in my opinion, are less scrutinized than their fellow white comics that are approaching the same material.  My theory is if it's funny, it's funny.  Chapelle got called out about his jokes concerning transgenders and he doubled down.  He asked folks to please cancel him.  All of this to say, can we not utilize humor to bridge divides anymore because of the very nature of humor?  

[Paul Terlemezian]

I think we are being forced to make a choice between humor and fear. I believe that either has the potential to conquer the other. The battle will not be "pretty." Which side do you want to win? Where will the leaders come from?

[Robin Spangler]

IDEA: Cultivating Complaints --

Are complaints a wrapper around what someone cares deeply about, and has energy and passion for? Is it possible to tap into that energy and use it in a collaborative, respectful way?

I'm interested in your ideas about how to cultivate complaints.

[Paul Terlemezian]

Terrific point Robin. I think your premise is valid. I remember the quip  "The squeaky wheel needs some grease" and the retort - "Sometimes you need to replace a wheel." With both thoughts in mind it does remind us to listen and discern.

I would rather hear a complaint twice than make a mistake once!