Silly Me: The Beguiling Power Of Self-Mockery
Like many freelancers, I’m always looking for that next job. I check out job posts, and wind up visiting a lot of sites.
Recently, I had occasion to visit a design agency called Rusty George Creative. The
site made a wonderful impression on me, and it was due to the firm’s penchant for self-mockery. Every time I called up a member of the team, a random generator would spin the torsos and legs, mixing various costumes and poses. One of the oldest humor tricks in the book, but always funny. And the message was clear: We can laugh at ourselves. We’re relaxed, so you can be, too.
See for yourself: 
The site made me think a lot about humor, its enormous power to create both positive and negative impressions. Consider the About card for firm principal Rusty George himself.
I loved the idea that the most important thing about design is that it has to work. It’s a statement that inspires confidence, and I really believe it myself: bells and whistles are all for naught if one’s design fails to connect with people.
Then I read: Who he admires: Anyone who doesn’t shop at Walmart. I know that’s supposed to be funny, but it also sounds elitist. Humor can unite people, it can also divide them. Humor at someone else’s expense puts one on dangerous ground– especially in business. I think it was a mistake.
By contrast, consider the About card for RG team member Alyssa below. It doesn’t just say she’s a Big Sister and a volunteer. It says she’s committed to achieving sainthood by being a Big Sister and volunteer. That made me roar with laughter, and created a wonderful impression. Good works are impressive, but they can sometimes be a little daunting. Good works and self-mockery are virtually irresistible. 
One of the funniest sections on the Rusty George site concerns bogus “Weird Holidays.” They came up with one called Hidden Talent Day, and it features RG team members demonstrating their hidden talents in a series of videos that mimic grainy old film clips. The videos display in a frame designed to look like an old-time movie theater.
It’s a fun feature that succeeds on two levels: the self-mockery is endearing and puts you at ease; it also showcases the talents of RG Creative when it comes to video production. Here are a couple of stills from the videos. OK, the fake “film streaks” should probably be behind the curtain, but hey, that’s quibbling.
I’ll close with two photos that continue the self-mockery theme, but which also convey something vitally important: the sense that the people at RG Creative are a team. As in: We like each other, we pull together, and we bring that extra power to all our clients’ projects. Check out Halloween and Christmas at Rusty George Creative: 
What do you think? Is self-mockery an endearing trait? Does humor require careful thought? Hope you’ll leave a comment.
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i think it’s hilarious to be able to make fun of yourself in front of others.. it exudes an odd sense of humour and personally, i like it. i think it’s nice when people can laugh at themselves! however, i reckon humour does require some careful thought too coz a joke may just be a joke but it can be really offensive to some…
Well said! Laughing at oneself can sure come in handy, especially when you do foolish things– ask me, I know! : (
Yes, and jokes can easily go astray, despite the best intentions. We must think before quip– or try to! I can tell you’re a good-humored person, Erl– thanks a lot for stopping by.
Ah, humility: it leads to contentment and many friends! Self mockery is a bit dangerous though. After a while your friends might take you seriously…
Your comment was a revelation, sir. No wonder my friends all give me the same thing for Christmas: those Jester caps with the two halves that stick out with the little bells on the end. Clearly, one must practice moderation when it comes to self-mockery… : )
Thanks for the tip, Scott, always good to see you here!
Hmmmm…….very true!
Fantabulous! Hilarious stuff! I’d like to be part of that group, too.
Yes, about the self-effacing, humble, etc. way to do these things. Self-mocking humor isn’t easy to do well but it can be very effective, for the reasons you gave. I know that I don’t like to spend time with folks who do most of their interpersonal outreach with one hand patting themselves on the back and the other holding that tooting-your-own-horn…uh…horn.
It’s a decent defensive move, too, to show our foibles before they’re discovered. Then we have some control on things. Like when a campaign releases that naughty picture of the candidate before a news outlet discovers it and blabs nastiness 24/7? I think that’s called “getting in front of the story.” But I could be wrong.
But it can go sideways! Too much humility can sound pathetic. Snarkiness is off-putting (like the anti-Wal-Mart guy).
LOVE this post!
A very astute analysis, Dr. King– and that’s no mock! I especially liked your point about self-mockery being a good defensive move with a view to “damage control.” I know I’ve read interviews with successful comedians who said they employed that very technique all thru high school– they were “getting in front of” ridicule from their classmates.
Agreed: humility is not about putting a “Kick me!” sign on one’s back! And yes, snarky is the perfect word for humor that demeans others. Thank goodness you and I are perfect– thanks for your support!! : )
quoted:
Then I read: Who he admires: Anyone who doesn’t shop at Walmart. I know that’s supposed to be funny, but it also sounds elitist. Humor can unite people, it can also divide them. Humor at someone else’s expense puts one on dangerous ground– especially in business. I think it was a mistake.
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I can’t agree more with those statements
Is self-mockery an endearing trait? It is.
Does humor require careful thought? sometimes…it depends on the situation or some people
By the way the pictures are great and funny indeed!
Have a good weekend, Mark
Ah! When a post wins the approval of a good-humored person like yourself, I know I’m on solid ground! Thank you, Inge– wishing you the best here!
I have finally been able to come on here properly. Your blog hasn’t been able to upload on my browser the last few days!
This reminds me of an old card/paper game I played as a youngster where you change the bodies to something else. It was always amusing and this definitely reflects it. It’s great how one can feel comfortable to make fun of themselves, I’m sure we all do that once in a while. It also brings the point where design doesn’t have to be simple — it can be fun, imaginative and playful.
But humour can certainly be a risk as some people have already mentioned. Some humour may be funny to a few, but others may address it the wrong way as I have seen on different medias. The only problem though is that saying some things may deter possible customers/clients, which is unfortunate.
A definite great read, Mark =]
What?? Blog’s not getting along with Browser?? Sounds like two dogs having a fight… : )
Yes, humor’s a tricky business, but I know you’ve got the knack– one look at your cheery gravatar tells me that!!
Glad you were finally able to make the scene here in Blogsville, it’s always a pleasure having you stop by, Sabine– cheers!!
Never trust a Walmart basher. He’s probably got a secret man-crush on Sam Walton. Just Sayin’…
Gee, I dunno if we wanna speculate too far in that direction. On the other hand, who’s better positioned to know than yourself?? : )
Ha! Great quip, just what I’d expect from The Man Himself. Thanks for stopping by, I wish you and the RGC Team much happiness and success in 2012. Hope you’re all wearing your Christmas long johns! : )
It is clever marketing, Mark. “Hey! It’s just us down-home folks like you.”
There is a fine line to walk so that people can enjoy the self-deprecating humor and still see the “real” beyond the humorous facade. As a wanna-be class clown (many years ago), I speak from experience.
A wannabee class clown?? Hm… I’m thinking you made it!! : )
Boy, you’re so right, Judy. There’s a real danger in carrying self-deprecation too far. Cross that fine line, and people will write you off as someone who can’t be taken seriously. A good class clown knows when it’s time to practice restraint… : )
Thanks so much for your comment and your good humor!