Alcoholism is Hilarious

OK, it’s not. It’s not funny at all. In fact, it’s one of the most tragic diseases on the planet.

But — BUT — I’m becoming increasingly convinced that humor has a huge role in creating dialog and connection to replace the void of silence and the hushed whispers that currently serve as poor excuses for the conversations necessary to obliterate the stigma associated with addiction to alcohol. Stick with me, and see if you agree that laughter plays a critical role. Even if you think I’m nuts, maybe you’ll get a chuckle out of my assertions.

Have you ever watched the Kentucky Derby and noticed all the people in fancy suits and beautiful dresses? The flamboyant and expensive hats the women wear have largely stolen the spotlight from the horses much like the TV commercials are the highlight of the Super Bowl. When you look at all those elegant people, have you ever wondered where all the people from Kentucky are?

As a boy growing up in Indiana, I learned quickly that one of the only states I was eligible to make fun of was our neighbor directly to the south. If you don’t believe that Indiana has one up on Kentucky, please consider that the toothbrush was invented in Kentucky. Had it been invented in any other state, it would have been named a teethbrush.