Who becomes a comedian?

Anyone.

Let me explain. Humour is a coping mechanism. When an individual is faced with an unsurmountable adversity, they have some options: succumb to it, take to substances or embrace humour and move along (there might be more options. I am not an expert).

These adversities, for comedians, have usually existed in their formative years. My logic: When you are older, you probably have more than the above-listed options (for e.g. You could talk to a therapist). In their early years, there would’ve been some form of disagreement with their surroundings: school, playground, home or anything for that matter.

That is not to say that someone who has had a glorious childhood filled with love, laughter and acceptance might not become a standup comedian, but it’s unlikely. It’s possible that they might become a great human being. This, however, does not imply that standup comedians are lousy people.

Embracing humour and moving along is not a conscious choice, it just happens. Possibly a second nature.  I often think of it as ‘escapism’ or ’deflection’. It does work when you feel helpless.

Now if you are in a life situation where you are at peace in your present universe and are generally in agreement with your environment, please don’t go looking around for trouble just to become a comedian. Not worth it.

Keep thriving.