2.22.2005

I'm prolific at writing short things

Here's another blackout for you. Again, a little Drake-centric, but since the last one was so universal, I thought maybe the collegiate lust for diversity would be as well. This one might ruffle a few liberal feathers, which I'm totally okay with. I'm an equal opportunity offender. This one employs the tried-and-true comedy tool of "bait-and-switch." Ah, the old bait 'n' switch...

“Freak Show”

Setting: On campus

Characters: Two Drake students: Becca and Steve

(The two students are walking on campus, but they initially give no impression in the scene as to their location. They enter excitedly, pointing at stuff.)

Becca: Ohmigosh Steve, hurry up! Can you believe this?

Steve: Wow, is that a sword swallower? I didn’t even think people did that anymore!

Becca: Yeah, and look at that! A real-live flame-eater!

Steve: A snake charmer…

Becca: A Bat-Boy…

Both: AND A BEARDED LADY!! *laughter*

(pause)

Becca: Man, Drake sure is taking this diversity initiative seriously.

(blackout)

11 comments:

Scott said...

Eh.

Rob said...

Tim, I'm incredibly liberal... And I do wear a TShirt that says "Unity: Fight Racism, Fight Sexism, Unite"

I thought it was funny (and true). And if that's the most offensive thing you got, you're not even trying.

So how long is the end product going to be again?

Scott said...

Oh, and I can safely say that you've never offended anyone ever. Well maybe Kiley that time you famously said "Do you want a little breast with that padding." That one was pretty good. But you have to remember you're dealing with some offensive people here, it's really hard to shock us. And as liberal as I am, I have to agree that some of the stuff out there classified as 'liberal' is completely rediculous.

Fairly decent sketch, I think it'd be better live as opposed to reading it. Keep up the work.

- Scott

Rob said...

wow. And we didn't even coordinate that.

Scott said...

I know. It's like being this smart leads to certain conclusions...oh it's called being right. And we both are. Awesome.

The other part I like about this is that Tim thinks he's got all these comments and it's really just us bantering back and forth.


Scott Gresham, proudly crushing your dreams since 1985.

Timmy Tapeworm said...

Thanks for crushing my dreams, Scott. I was really excited at having 5 comments already. But it's just you two yokels, eh? Well, I take what I can get.

Yeah, so I suck at offending. I wasn't really trying in that sketch, but I just wonder what the crazy people who say the word "diversity" every five seconds will think when I compare their efforts to recuit minorities to a circus sideshow. I'll try to kick it up a notch.

Now that you mention it, Scott, I think that line to Kiley might actually have come from Nick. Yeah, I'm pretty sure it did. He was a jerk like that. The most offensive thing I've ever said was one time when I walked in and Tracy Shenburger was sketching Sarah Schneider and I looked at the drawing and said, "No no. Bigger." That was really mean and I regret saying it to this day, which is more proof that my comedy will never be that edgy. I'm too sensitive.

I think this one especially needs to be seen. (I'll probably be saying that a lot as a cop-out.) But most of the funny in blackouts comes from the surprise of the joke, then the surprise of the blackout. Anyway, it's short, so it'll probably go in. Rob, the finished product will likely be 20-25 pieces. I figure three blackouts = 1 sketch, so suffice it to say, I have a long way to go. I appreciate the feedback, boys. Keep it coming, and don't hold back.

Anonymous said...

Um, hi. First time poster. As a black female in Iowa I find this joke incredibly offensive. I am as minority as minority can be, and I don't consider myself a circus sideshow. Tim, please rethink your sketches, especially during AAAM (African-American Awareness Month).

~Mara

PS I was going to not leave my name, but what other black females do you know? Yes, please let me think I am the only one.

PPS. Your sketches are really funny.

Jake said...

As a snake charmer, I am offended by your sketch. I'm calling the ACLU, FAG!

Rob said...

Damn Jake...
I have to tell you: "Fag" is one of my top 5 least favorite words ever. We don't have to make a game of guessing what the other ones are, but I will say this. Somehow the delivery of your two lines, just about made my eyes water.

And Tim, The line about Sarah... Hilarious.

Scott said...

Timmy, yes, I really enjoyed that line the first time I heard it. The best comic fodder can occasionally be so mean that you regret it for a life time. But to everyone else, it brings a life time of laughter. But you're actually pretty funny without ever resorting to (overtly) mean things. There's a lot of edgy comics out there, I'm sure there's room for a (what's the word here? Wholesome? Maybe, but it makes it sound like he's made with wheat....) "not"-edgy one. It's a good schtick.

What's wrong with fag? I mean, sure not in polite company, and it's pretty weak to use as a comeback/insult, but I don't really have a big problem with it. I especially enjoy hearing English people ask for a 'fag' meaning a cigarette. Ah, immaturity. I'm never NOT entertained.

(Oh and I was kidding, it's really a good sketch don't change it.)

- Scott

Anonymous said...

Hey Tim!

Remember the time you called me a giant!?! Yeah, that was hilarious, and not offensive in the slightest!!! HAHAHAHA! Haha! Ha.

I like the sketch. And no, Mara. You're not Tim's only black friend. I am, remember? Giant. black. friend. Please try to remember that AAAM isn't just about people who LOOK african american!

~Keri