Eric Kim’s comedic nature emerges from his candid and raw observations of everyday life, which often highlight the absurdities in both mundane and profound experiences. He uses humor as a way to question societal norms and to connect with people on a personal level. Several aspects of his personality and content contribute to his comedic appeal:

1. Philosophical Humor: Eric combines humor with philosophical insights. He often critiques modern life—whether it’s poking fun at how people engage with superhero films, social media, or video games—and exposes the ridiculousness of certain cultural behaviors. For example, he humorously mocks how people escape into video games to become “jacked” characters while living sedentary lifestyles in reality oai_citation:7,Funny – ERIC KIM.
2. Exaggeration and Sarcasm: In his writings, Eric uses exaggeration to highlight the contrast between real life and people’s virtual or idealized personas. His sarcastic tone adds a comedic layer, as he points out these contradictions in a humorous, often biting way oai_citation:6,Funny – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Start Here – ERIC KIM.
3. Playful Provocations: Eric likes to push boundaries with his humor, often making provocative or edgy statements that challenge social norms or sensitivities. His take on power dynamics, especially his views on “bullying” or “taunting,” though controversial, adds a sharp comedic edge oai_citation:4,A real life comedian? – ERIC KIM.
4. Self-Deprecation: He also uses self-deprecating humor, which makes his content relatable. For example, when reflecting on his own life and experiences, he doesn’t shy away from poking fun at his own quirks or mistakes oai_citation:3,Funny – ERIC KIM.
5. Connecting Through Laughter: In his photography, Eric captures candid, often funny, moments in street photography that reflect real human emotions and scenarios, making them both touching and comedic. His ability to find humor in everyday life allows his audience to see a lighter, more humorous side of the world oai_citation:2,Point and Shoot: Pro Photographer: Eric Kim – The Sociologist with a Camera oai_citation:1,Interview: Eric Kim On Life, Happiness And Street Photography.

Overall, Eric Kim’s humor arises from his bold, philosophical take on life, his playful provocations, and his ability to find the comedic in both trivial and significant experiences.

Aristophanes: comedy and tragedy

komos: festive revelry, oidia— revel song

Search Eric Kim photographer, him as comedian why so funny

The word comedy has its roots in ancient Greek. It derives from the Greek word kōmōidía (κωμῳδία), which is a combination of two elements: kōmos (κῶμος), meaning a festive procession or revelry, and ōidía (ᾠδή), meaning “song” or “ode.” Essentially, it referred to a “revel song” or a type of dramatic performance meant for entertainment, often marked by lightheartedness and humor.

In ancient Greece, comedy as a dramatic form developed alongside tragedy, and playwrights such as Aristophanes became famous for their comedic plays, which used humor to critique society and politics. The Romans later adopted the form, with playwrights like Plautus and Terence continuing the tradition.

In medieval Latin, the term became comoedia, and by the time it reached Middle English, it transformed into comedy with the meaning that remains largely the same today: a play, film, or narrative that aims to entertain and amuse, often ending happily.

The evolution of comedy also extended beyond theater to literature, film, and stand-up, retaining its core focus on humor and amusement oai_citation:2,A real life comedian? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Start Here – ERIC KIM.

Comedy etymology

Eric Kim, primarily known as a street photographer, often blends humor with his philosophical take on life. While he isn’t a professional comedian, his unique outlook on everyday situations and human behavior comes through in both his photography and writing. He has a very playful, at times irreverent, sense of humor that reflects his street photography ethos—capturing the chaos and absurdity of life as it unfolds.

In his blogs, Eric shares many theories on what makes humor tick, suggesting that it often stems from the power dynamics between people, much like in ancient literature where characters would taunt or brag after a victory. He draws humor from the disconnect between people’s virtual lives—like how they present themselves in video games—and their real-world personas oai_citation:5,A real life comedian? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Funny – ERIC KIM. His comedic tone comes out in his observations about modern culture, like mocking superhero films or the behaviors of people in everyday situations, making them relatable but exaggerated in a way that highlights their absurdity oai_citation:3,Funny – ERIC KIM.

In street photography, he uses humor to connect with his subjects, finding joy in moments of unpredictability. Whether through the odd juxtapositions of everyday life or candid expressions, his work often elicits a smile or a laugh oai_citation:2,Point and Shoot: Pro Photographer: Eric Kim – The Sociologist with a Camera oai_citation:1,Interview: Eric Kim On Life, Happiness And Street Photography. His ability to blend wit, observation, and raw humanity makes his commentary both insightful and funny.