Brian Mayer

This is a truly interesting read, though admittedly due to its academic language and structure, it will not be for everyone. As I read I was utterly enthralled to learn how sketch comedy simultaneously reflected and rejected certain societal norms. It can be a progressive or regressive tool, depending upon the ones that are guiding the sketch. This reflexivity of sketch comedy is the core conceit of the book. I especially enjoyed reading about the evolution of sketch comedy from a regional form of entertainment growing out of East-Coast Vaudeville performers into a television staple. That these sketches were so easily co-opted and transferred to early television programs created an unintentional blueprint for how comedy as a short-form, visual medium should be both created and consumed by an ever-increasing (at least until the 21st century) audience. I would be interested in hearing about the expansion of the idea of reflexivity and the impact within different facets of society; by that, I mean if certain types of comedy are born out of specific societal conditions, or if a unique voice/ type of comedy can help alter the conditions of a society. Ultimately, there are not enough serious works regarding silly matters, because let's be honest, most of life can be pretty damned silly. Thank you to the author for choosing to bring some attention to this oft dismissed (but vitally important) corner of culture.