New Comedian Arrogance: Why It Happens & What To Do?

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered why some new comedians sometimes come off as "songong" (arrogant)? It's a pretty common observation, and there are actually a few reasons behind it. Let's dive into the psychology, the industry pressures, and what can be done about it. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and let's break this down!

The Psychology Behind the "Songong"

Okay, let's get real. New comedians often experience a whirlwind of emotions when they start getting recognition. Suddenly, they're on stage, people are laughing, and they're getting attention. This can lead to a bit of a head trip. Here’s a deeper look at some psychological factors:

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

This is a big one! The Dunning-Kruger effect basically says that people with low competence in a skill tend to overestimate their ability. Think about it: a new comedian might have a few good sets, get some positive feedback, and suddenly think they're the next big thing. They haven't yet faced enough challenges or experienced enough failures to accurately gauge their skills. This overconfidence can easily come across as arrogance.

Insecurity and Overcompensation

Believe it or not, a lot of that outward arrogance might be masking deep-seated insecurity. Comedy is brutal. You're constantly putting yourself out there, and rejection is part of the game. To cope with this, some new comedians might adopt an arrogant persona as a defense mechanism. It's like they're saying, "I'm already great, so your criticism doesn't matter!" It's a way to protect their fragile ego from the sting of failure.

The Need for Validation

Everyone, especially new comedians, wants to be liked and appreciated. When they get a taste of success, they crave more. This need for validation can sometimes manifest as arrogance. They might start name-dropping, bragging about their accomplishments, or putting others down to make themselves look better. It's all an attempt to get that sweet, sweet validation they desperately crave.

The Influence of Role Models

Let's face it, some established comedians do have a reputation for being arrogant. New comedians, looking to emulate their idols, might mistakenly believe that arrogance is part of the package. They see the confidence, the swagger, and the edgy humor, and they try to imitate it without understanding the underlying substance. This can lead to a superficial and off-putting display of arrogance.

In summary, the psychology behind a new comedian's arrogance is complex, often rooted in a mix of overconfidence, insecurity, a need for validation, and the influence of perceived role models. Understanding these factors can help us approach the situation with more empathy and less judgment.

Industry Pressures and the Rise of "Songong"

The world of comedy isn't all about laughs and good times; there's a lot of pressure that can contribute to a new comedian's arrogance. Let's take a look at how the industry itself plays a role.

The Cutthroat Competition

The comedy scene is incredibly competitive. Hundreds, even thousands, of aspiring comedians are all vying for the same limited spots on stage, TV shows, and comedy festivals. This creates a high-pressure environment where new comedians feel like they need to stand out at all costs. Some might resort to arrogance as a way to grab attention and assert their dominance in the crowded field. It's a survival tactic, albeit a misguided one.

The Pressure to Be Unique

In today's comedy landscape, originality is highly valued. New comedians are constantly told to find their unique voice and perspective. This pressure to be different can sometimes lead to extreme attempts at being edgy or controversial. Some might mistakenly believe that arrogance is a form of originality, a way to shock and provoke audiences. They might adopt an arrogant persona to distinguish themselves from the crowd, even if it's not authentic to their true selves.

The Influence of Social Media

Social media has amplified the pressure on new comedians to build a brand and gain a following. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become essential tools for self-promotion. However, the constant need to create content, engage with followers, and project a successful image can be overwhelming. Some new comedians might resort to arrogant behavior online to attract attention and boost their online presence. They might engage in online arguments, make controversial statements, or brag about their achievements to generate buzz, even if it damages their reputation in the long run.

The Illusion of Overnight Success

Social media can also create the illusion of overnight success. New comedians see others going viral, landing TV deals, and becoming famous seemingly overnight. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and a sense of entitlement. They might start to believe that they deserve instant recognition and become arrogant when their career doesn't progress as quickly as they hoped. They might blame others for their lack of success or demand special treatment, further alienating themselves from the comedy community.

In short, industry pressures such as cutthroat competition, the pressure to be unique, the influence of social media, and the illusion of overnight success can all contribute to the rise of arrogance among new comedians. It's important to recognize these factors and address them in a healthy and constructive way.

What Can Be Done About It?

So, we've established why some new comedians might come across as "songong." The big question is: what can be done about it? Here are some suggestions for new comedians, the comedy community, and audiences.

For New Comedians:

  • Self-Awareness is Key: The first step is to be aware of your own behavior and how it might be perceived by others. Ask for honest feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or even fellow comedians. Be open to criticism and willing to adjust your attitude if necessary.
  • Focus on the Craft: Instead of focusing on fame and recognition, prioritize honing your comedic skills. Take workshops, attend open mics, and constantly work on improving your material. The better you are, the less you'll need to rely on arrogance to get attention.
  • Embrace Humility: Remember that everyone starts somewhere. Be humble and grateful for the opportunities you get. Acknowledge the contributions of others who have helped you along the way. A little humility goes a long way in building positive relationships and earning respect.
  • Seek Mentorship: Find experienced comedians who can provide guidance and support. A good mentor can offer valuable insights into the industry, help you navigate challenges, and keep you grounded.
  • Stay Grounded: Don't let success go to your head. Remember where you came from and stay connected to your roots. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who will keep you grounded and remind you of what's truly important.

For the Comedy Community:

  • Promote a Supportive Environment: Foster a comedy scene that values collaboration, mentorship, and constructive criticism. Discourage toxic competition and create opportunities for new comedians to learn and grow.
  • Call Out Arrogant Behavior: Don't be afraid to gently call out arrogant behavior when you see it. A simple, "Hey, that might come across as a bit arrogant," can be enough to make someone reconsider their actions.
  • Highlight Positive Role Models: Showcase comedians who are talented, humble, and supportive of others. These individuals can serve as positive role models for new comedians.
  • Offer Constructive Criticism: When providing feedback to new comedians, focus on their material and performance, rather than their personality. Be specific, helpful, and encouraging.
  • Create Opportunities for Collaboration: Organize workshops, showcases, and other events that encourage new comedians to collaborate and learn from each other.

For Audiences:

  • Be Mindful of Your Reactions: Audiences play a significant role in shaping a comedian's behavior. If you reward arrogant behavior with laughter and applause, you're essentially encouraging it. Be mindful of what you're reinforcing.
  • Support Authentic Voices: Seek out comedians who are genuine, relatable, and have something meaningful to say. Support those who use their platform to uplift and inspire, rather than to belittle and offend.
  • Don't Enable Entitlement: Avoid showering new comedians with excessive praise or attention. Acknowledge their talent, but don't inflate their ego. Keep your reactions balanced and proportionate.
  • Provide Constructive Feedback (When Appropriate): If you have the opportunity to provide feedback to a comedian, be respectful, specific, and constructive. Focus on what you enjoyed and what could be improved.
  • Remember They're Human: Ultimately, new comedians are just people trying to make a living and pursue their passion. Cut them some slack, offer encouragement, and remember that everyone makes mistakes. Let’s all work together to create a more positive and supportive comedy ecosystem. Cheers!