Nodders/Clappers

You're bound to find them in the audience of most stand up comedy routines: the nodders/clappers. When the comedian says, "Fellas, you know she's only interested in your wallet!" there's that one gentleman who bangs on his knee and flashes an especially goofy grin. When the comedian says, "And sure we say size doesn't matter..." there's the woman who bobs her head furiously and gives her friends a knowing glance while applauding wildly. And when the comedian says, "Every time I'm driving next to a Mexican on the highway, they have eight people in their car," there's that Mexican person stomping and mouthing yes to indicate that ey drive everywhere with a posse.*

The nodders/clappers are those individuals who take it upon themselves to let their fellow audience members know that what the comedian is saying is both funny and true with their vigorous nodding/clapping meant as testimony. It's worth noting this phenomenon is not limited to comedy shows: You can even find these people at boisterous** churches after the preacher says, "And you know the Lord has been good to you!" Several loud people nodding and clapping in the front few rows make the rest wonder what religious ecstasy they're missing out on.

And now - the point of today's rambling. (Regular readers will be surprised that for once I'm actually including one.) On Comedy Central recently, some random comic was doing a routine about herpes medication. Though you probably haven't seen this particular act, you already know the jokes. Herpes must be wonderful if it leaves you wanting to run through meadows! With that whole list of side effects, why would you ever try it?! Anyway, the original commentary the comedian makes is mentioning one of the side effects that says not to take the medication if you are currently being treated for AIDS. "If you have AIDS... herpes really isn't your problem." The joke can be spotted a mile away, but it's slightly funny nonetheless. But here's the kicker: there's a nodder/clapper in the audience. Some person is nodding and clapping as if to proudly indicate, "Hi, I have both AIDS and herpes and can understand what you are talking about." I'm in disbelief. Either this person is unaware of the nodding/clapping etiquette and its implications, or their AIDS must be so full-blown that they've gone completely crazy.

* This is a stereotype I don't understand and wouldn't even know existed had I not heard it mentioned in numerous comedy routines. I honestly had no clue that Mexicans could drive. Oh, I'm kidding. Though it is reminiscent of another inappropriate comment I made.

** Here, I find myself using the word "boisterous" in place of "black." And you thought it wasn't possible to get more politically correct than "African American."

*** All right, there was no third footnote, but I feel that after the previous two, I should be an equal opportunist and make fun of white people, too. Hey, whities, you suck, too! Way to be boring and quiet in church, and unable to ride in the carpool lane!