Is “Who’s on First?” funny?
Well, no, it is not funny, it would be too easy to relieve the dramatic tension by having Abbott explain the actual situation to Costello. One is not wrong to call the whole thing stupid. Yet there is another reading of the skit which stands at least some chance of being funny, though it is […] The post Is “Who’s on First?” funny? appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION .
The famous comedy sketch "Who's on First?" has been debated for its humor. Some argue it lacks humor, as it would be too easy to relieve the tension by Abbott explaining the situation to Costello. It could even be considered stupid. However, another perspective exists - the skit could be seen as a commentary on how the establishment exploits immigrants and refuses to apologize or explain the situation.
The skit portrays the establishment as the "establishment," which is part Jewish and highly commercial, while Costello represents the "less tutored" immigrant.
The skit also highlights the growing presence of immigrants in America, and the frustration of the established order with the changing faces of America. Bud Abbott is depicted as a stand-in for the establishment, while Louis Costello, an Italian-American with obvious class mannerisms, is portrayed as the immigrant. The characters' names, like "Who", "What", and "I don't know", reflect the frustration of the establishment with the changing demographics.
The back and forth dynamic of the skit mirrors the prejudices and dynamics of American life, but rather than merely critiquing them, the creators amplify those dynamics. While the skit itself may not be funny, this interpretation opens a door to some people finding it humorous. The difference of perspective is illustrated by Elizabeth Holmes, who did not understand the skit as she grew up in a world where such stereotypes were acceptable.
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