Lightbulb joke
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The lightbulb joke is an example of an endless-variations joke and has numerous versions that satirize a wide range of cultures, beliefs, occupations and groups.[1][2] Generally, the punch line is derogatory to the group that is the subject of the joke.
The generally acknowledged "original" goes as follows:
- Q. How many [insert target group here] does it take to change a light bulb?
- A. Ten — one to hold the light bulb and nine to turn the ladder around.
Most variations follow this scheme:
- Q. How many [insert target group here] does it take to change a light bulb?
- A. N — one to replace the light bulb and N-1 to [behave in a fashion generally associated with a negative stereotype of that group].
Often the stereotypical behavior will involve elaborate decision-making processes, and/or Byzantine management and supervision of the bulb-changing. The actual bulb changer may be last in the list for extra punch, especially when following a long recital of various supporting roles, each employing more [members of the target group] than the previous one.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Elaine Viets (1991-09-04). "Light Bulb Jokes: Screwed-Up Humor". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04D52E02E46F3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D. Retrieved on 2007-12-14. "Some light bulb jokes make fun of ethnic groups, gays and women. Others shed light on certain professions..."
- ^ "How Many Students Does It Take...". New York Times. 2004-11-07. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/07/education/edlife/117JOK.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/C/Comedy%20and%20Humor&pagewanted=print&position=. Retrieved on 2007-12-14. "Colleges have become the theme of at least one chestnut: the lightbulb joke."
