Sam Jordison reflects on the unexpected legacy of his "Crap Towns" books, which humorously cataloged perceived downsides of British towns. While initially intending lighthearted ribbing, he now grapples with the books' contribution to a more divisive and negative public discourse. He acknowledges the books' mean-spiritedness and the potential hurt they caused, particularly in a time of heightened political polarization and economic hardship. Jordison expresses discomfort with the books' role in fueling online negativity and normalizing mockery of places and communities, a phenomenon amplified by social media. He concludes with a desire to move towards kinder and more constructive conversations about place and identity.
In a reflective and somewhat melancholic Substack post entitled "That joke isn't funny any more," author Sam Jordison revisits the creation and subsequent impact of his book, "Crap Towns," a humorously critical guide to various British locales. He elaborates on the initial impetus for the project, describing it as a lighthearted, albeit slightly mean-spirited, endeavor born from a youthful desire to poke fun at places perceived as less desirable. Jordison paints a picture of a younger self, seemingly less attuned to the potential ramifications of such pointed satire, fueled by a sense of irreverence and perhaps a touch of naivete.
He then meticulously dissects the evolving reception of the book, acknowledging its initial popularity and commercial success, while simultaneously grappling with the unforeseen consequences of its enduring legacy. Jordison details a growing discomfort with the project, expressing an evolving awareness of the potential harm caused by labeling entire communities as "crap," particularly in the context of a changing socio-political landscape. He articulates a nuanced understanding of how humor, even when intended as lighthearted, can contribute to negative stereotypes and reinforce existing prejudices.
Jordison further expands upon the complexities of satire and the delicate balance between comedic expression and potential offense. He explores the evolving nature of humor and how what might have been considered acceptable or even amusing in the past can, with the passage of time and shifting societal norms, become problematic. He acknowledges the potential for his work to be misinterpreted or used to justify discriminatory viewpoints, and he expresses a sense of responsibility for the unintended consequences of his creative output. He doesn't explicitly renounce the book, but rather engages in a thoughtful examination of its impact, highlighting the author's personal growth and evolving perspective on the delicate interplay between humor, social commentary, and the potential for unintended negativity. The overall tone of the piece suggests a mature reflection on the long-term implications of seemingly innocuous creative choices, underscoring the author's evolving understanding of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with wielding them.
Summary of Comments ( 238 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43799820
Hacker News users discussing the "Crap Towns" book generally agree that humor based on mocking places and their residents hasn't aged well. Several commenters pointed out the inherent mean-spiritedness of the concept, noting it punches down at communities often facing economic hardship and social challenges. Some argue this type of humor contributes to negative stereotypes and reinforces existing prejudices. Others recalled finding the book funny in their youth but now see it as insensitive. A few defend the book as harmless fun and suggest critics are overly sensitive. The overall sentiment, however, leans towards acknowledging the problematic nature of such humor and its potential for harm.
The Hacker News post, titled "I wrote a book called 'Crap Towns'. It seemed funny at the time," links to a Substack article by Sam Jordison reflecting on his involvement in the "Crap Towns" book series, which humorously (and sometimes controversially) cataloged less desirable places in the UK. The comments section on Hacker News offers a variety of perspectives on the book, its humor, and its social impact.
Several commenters expressed nostalgia for the books, recalling them fondly and sharing anecdotes of places featured. One commenter mentioned enjoying the books as a teenager and finding them humorous. Another specifically mentioned the inclusion of their hometown, seemingly not offended, but rather finding it amusing. This sentiment of amused recognition was echoed by others.
Some commenters engaged with the author's reflections on the changing social climate and how the "Crap Towns" humor might be perceived differently today. They discussed the evolution of humor and the complexities of satire, acknowledging that what was considered funny in the past might not land the same way now. One commenter pointed out the potential harm of such humor, suggesting it could reinforce negative stereotypes and contribute to a sense of hopelessness in the targeted communities. This spurred a discussion on the balance between humor and responsibility, with another commenter arguing that humor should not be overly constrained by fear of causing offense.
A few commenters offered a more critical perspective on the books themselves, finding the humor to be mean-spirited or simply not funny. One even went so far as to call the books "lazy" and suggest the humor lacked depth.
There was also some discussion about the specific criteria used for judging a town as "crap," with some commenters questioning the methodology and fairness of the selection process.
Overall, the comments section reflects a nuanced understanding of the complexities of humor and its potential impact. While some commenters defend the books and their nostalgic value, others raise valid concerns about the potential for such humor to be harmful. The discussion avoids outright condemnation or unqualified praise, instead engaging with the author's reflections and offering a range of perspectives on the evolving landscape of comedy and social commentary.