American Humor – Dead

Rumors of the death of American humor were confirmed when this year's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was awarded to Steve Martin. Even 20+ years ago, when he could actually make you laugh, his humor was based on juxtaposing silly statements with his conservative appearance and demeanor, resembling an ingratiating shoe salesman. Oh yeah, with an arrow apparently through his head. Since then, his movies have been forgettable, if you try hard enough, when they weren't insultingly bad. Next stop on the slide the bottom: an award to Jim Carey? Sure, why not, swap mindless mania for silly somnambulism.

Twain is honored for his pithy, clever, insightful, and timeless comments on human nature. Such humorists are rare. Will Rodgers was another. But it's easy to criticize. If one were obliged to make an award, who would be a better choice? Woody Allen would have to be on any short list, though his personal life now complicates our appreciation of his humor. Maybe Jerry Seinfeld, though the requisite folksy he ain't. Political humor? Hmm, let's think 2 nanoseconds... Jon Stewart. Or pick one of the redneck humor guys – Jeff Foxworthy, for example, who are bringing appreciation to a new audience. Naw, we'll have to wait until their humor is moribund.

In interviews, Martin says he doesn't want to be labeled right or left, liberal or conservative. A great humorist elevates above partisan bickering, allowing both sides to laugh at their own foibles (see above: Stewart, Jon). I suspect Martin's real fear is insulting potential customers – his movies are marginal enough financial propositions now. No, it's better to keep them guessing: just look conservative and say wild and crazy (liberal?) things.

Martin seems like a nice guy and it's not his fault that some misguided institution felt obliged to celebrate itself by making this award. What's he supposed to do, say “no thanks”? But let's not fool ourselves, he's no Twain.