Any discussion of the problems of being funny in America will not make sense unless we substitute the word wit for humor. Humor inspires sympathetic good-natured laughter and is favored by the healing-power gang. Wit goes for the jugular, not the jocular, and it's the opposite of football; instead of building character, it tears it down.

Summary

This quote argues that the discussion about the challenges of being funny in America is incomplete without differentiating between wit and humor. While humor is associated with good-natured laughter and is embraced by those who believe in the power of healing, wit is more cutting and aims to challenge or dismantle existing ideas. It suggests that humor often serves to uplift while wit can be more critical. The quote also metaphorically contrasts wit with football, suggesting that while football builds character, wit can undermine it.

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