David Sedaris, a renowned humorist and author of bestsellers like Calypso and Happy-Go-Lucky, shares his delightful yet frank reflections on Thanksgiving dynamics and the art of self-deprecating humor. He reads his witty essay "Punching Down," touching on the evolving landscape of comedy amidst modern sensitivities. Sedaris also critiques contemporary parenting styles, discussing the implications of overindulgence and the shift towards single-child households. Prepare for laughs and insights into family, discipline, and the absurdities of life!
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Tastelessness in Comedy
Embrace tastelessness in comedy.
Avoid self-censorship based on perceived power dynamics.
insights INSIGHT
Punching Down Sensitivity
The concept of "punching down" in comedy has become overly sensitive.
People on Twitter, often misinformed, dictate who can be joked about.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Childhood Discipline
Sedaris recounts childhood experiences of being slapped by his parents.
He argues that such physical discipline did not traumatize him.
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Me Talk Pretty One Day is a collection of essays that humorously explores David Sedaris's experiences growing up in a large Greek family, his early career start in performance art, and his life in France. The book details his upbringing in North Carolina, including his struggles with a lisp and his family's eccentricities. It also delves into his adventures as an American in a rural French village, where he navigates cultural differences and language barriers with his signature wit and sarcasm. The essays touch on themes of family, identity, acceptance, and the power of humor in addressing personal flaws and life's challenges[2][4][5].
Theft by Finding
David Sedaris
Theft by Finding is a compilation of David Sedaris's diary entries over 25 years, showcasing his sharp observations of the bizarre, beautiful, and uncomfortable aspects of life. The book provides a unique glimpse into Sedaris's development as a writer and his experiences from being a struggling artist to becoming a celebrated author.
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls
David Sedaris
In 'Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls', David Sedaris offers a diverse collection of essays that explore themes of family, identity, and cultural observations with his signature blend of humor and poignancy. The book includes essays on a range of topics, from his father's eccentricities to his own experiences with medical procedures and international travel.
Barrel Fever
David Sedaris
Barrel Fever is a 1994 collection of short stories and essays by David Sedaris, offering a humorous and irreverent look at modern life. The book includes famous essays like 'SantaLand Diaries' and 'Diary of a Smoker', showcasing Sedaris's unique blend of wit and empathy. The stories are often darkly comedic and provocative, making the book a distinctive read.
Holidays on ice
David Sedaris
Happy-Go-Lucky
David Sedaris
In 'Happy-Go-Lucky,' David Sedaris reflects on the pandemic, his father's death, and various personal and public upheavals with his signature wit and sharp observations. The book includes stories about his walks during lockdown, his relationships with his family, and his experiences on the road, highlighting both the absurdity and the poignancy of these times. Sedaris tackles serious topics like loss, aging, and social unrest while maintaining his characteristic humor and irreverence.
Calypso
David Sedaris
David Sedaris's "Calypso" is a collection of essays that showcases his distinctive voice and his ability to find humor in the everyday. The essays are characterized by their witty observations, self-deprecating humor, and unflinching honesty. Sedaris writes about a wide range of topics, from his childhood experiences to his travels abroad, always with a keen eye for detail and a sharp sense of irony. His work is known for its ability to make readers laugh while also prompting them to think about deeper issues. "Calypso" is considered a significant work in contemporary American literature, further solidifying Sedaris's status as a master of the essay form. The collection's exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the search for meaning continues to resonate with readers.
Naked
David Sedaris
Published in 1997, 'Naked' is a collection of 17 essays that delve into David Sedaris's life, including his childhood in the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina, his college years, and his later experiences. The book is known for its wit, dark humor, and irreverent handling of tragic events, such as the death of his mother. Sedaris's essays often focus on his family, his Greek heritage, his homosexuality, and various jobs and travels. The book is acclaimed for its honest and humorous portrayal of Sedaris's life, although some readers have noted the underlying themes of self-esteem and family dynamics[1][2][3].
It’s Thanksgiving week, which for many of us means eating too much turkey and pumpkin pie. For others, it means getting into arguments with your Gen Z cousin who, in a fit of righteous rage, calls you a settler colonialist and storms out of the dining room.
Whatever your holiday may bring, we here at Honestly wanted to bring you a drop of delight from none other than the most delightful man on planet Earth: David Sedaris.
Sedaris is a humorist and author of many best-selling books: Calypso, Theft by Finding, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Naked, Holidays on Ice, Barrel Fever. . . and most recently, Happy-Go-Lucky, which I had the privilege of talking to him about last December. It’s probably my favorite episode of all time.
What makes David’s writing so unforgettable is his ability to find something meaningful and true in the utterly mundane; the way he finds humor in the most horrific moments in life; and his commitment to the lost art of making fun of ourselves.
So for today’s episode, we are thrilled to have David here to read an essay he calls “Punching Down.” It is funny, it is frank, and fair warning, if you are a parent of small children, it might also be a little bit offensive. Happy Thanksgiving.
Honestly with Bari Weiss 
