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

Hey guys, let's dive into a topic that's been buzzing around the comedy scene: the phenomenon of new comedians and, well, a certain arrogance that sometimes comes along with them. It's something that's been whispered in green rooms, debated on podcasts, and occasionally shouted from the back of open mics. What's behind this perceived cockiness, and what can be done about it? Let's break it down.

The Rise of the "Songong" New Comedian

Okay, first off, what do we even mean by "songong" or arrogant in this context? It's not just about confidence; every comedian needs a certain level of self-belief to even step on stage. No, this is more about an attitude of superiority, a sense that they've somehow "made it" after only a few gigs, or a dismissive approach towards more experienced comics.

New comedian arrogance can manifest in different ways. Maybe it's the comic who constantly interrupts others with their own jokes, or the one who acts like they're above doing certain types of gigs. Perhaps it's the comedian who, after a single viral clip, starts demanding headlining spots. Whatever the form, it's a behavior that tends to rub people the wrong way, and it's worth understanding why it happens.

Why Does This Happen?

So, why do some new comedians develop this arrogance? There's a bunch of factors at play, and it's rarely as simple as someone just being a jerk. Here are a few potential reasons:

• Instant Gratification in the Digital Age: We live in an era where social media can catapult someone to (fleeting) fame overnight. A viral tweet, a killer TikTok, or a well-received YouTube video can give a new comedian a taste of validation very early in their career. This instant feedback can inflate their ego and create a false sense of accomplishment. They might start to believe they're further along than they actually are, skipping crucial steps in their development as a performer.
• Insecurity Masked as Confidence: Ironically, arrogance can often be a defense mechanism. A new comedian might be terrified of failure, of bombing on stage, or of not being accepted by their peers. To compensate for these fears, they might adopt an overconfident persona, trying to convince themselves and others that they're already at the top of their game. This can manifest as dismissiveness towards constructive criticism or a refusal to acknowledge their own weaknesses.
• Lack of Mentorship and Guidance: The comedy world can be a tough place to navigate, especially for newcomers. Without experienced mentors to offer guidance and perspective, new comedians might misinterpret the norms and expectations of the industry. They might not realize that paying your dues, respecting your elders, and supporting your fellow comedians are all essential parts of building a sustainable career.
• Misunderstanding of Success: What does it even mean to "make it" as a comedian? For some, it's headlining theaters and starring in movies. For others, it's simply making a living doing what they love. New comedians might have unrealistic expectations of how quickly success should come, leading them to act entitled or impatient. They might not appreciate the hard work, dedication, and resilience it takes to build a long-term career in comedy.
• The "Fake It Till You Make It" Mentality: There's a common saying in many creative fields: "fake it till you make it." While there's some truth to this – projecting confidence can help you land opportunities – it can also be taken too far. Some new comedians might believe that acting arrogant is a way to appear more successful and attract attention. However, this strategy often backfires, alienating them from their peers and creating a negative reputation.

The Impact of Arrogance

So, what's the big deal if a new comedian is a little cocky? Well, the truth is, arrogance can have a significant impact on their career and the comedy scene as a whole. Here's how:

• Burning Bridges: The comedy world is a small one, and reputations matter. If a new comedian develops a reputation for being arrogant or difficult to work with, they're likely to find it harder to get booked on shows, collaborate with other comedians, or gain the support of industry professionals. Burning bridges early in their career can have long-lasting consequences.
• Hindering Growth: Arrogance can prevent a new comedian from learning and improving. If they're convinced they already know everything, they're less likely to be open to feedback, experiment with new material, or challenge themselves creatively. This can lead to stagnation and prevent them from reaching their full potential.
• Creating a Toxic Environment: A healthy comedy scene thrives on collaboration, support, and mutual respect. When arrogance is prevalent, it can create a toxic environment where comedians are afraid to share ideas, offer criticism, or even just be themselves. This can stifle creativity and make it harder for everyone to succeed.
• Damaging the Reputation of the Scene: When new comedians act entitled or disrespectful, it can reflect poorly on the entire comedy scene. Promoters might be less willing to book local comedians, audiences might be less likely to attend shows, and the overall perception of the scene can suffer.

What Can Be Done?

Okay, so we've established that new comedian arrogance is a real thing, and that it can have negative consequences. But what can be done about it? Here are some suggestions for both new comedians and the comedy community as a whole:

For New Comedians:

• Embrace Humility: This is the most important thing. Recognize that you're still learning, and that there's always room for improvement. Be open to feedback, even if it's critical. Remember that success in comedy is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Find a Mentor: Seek out experienced comedians who can offer guidance and perspective. A good mentor can help you navigate the industry, avoid common pitfalls, and develop a healthy attitude towards success.
• Focus on the Craft: Instead of worrying about fame or recognition, focus on honing your craft. Write consistently, perform as much as possible, and experiment with different styles. The more you focus on improving your comedy, the less time you'll have to be arrogant.
• Support Your Peers: Attend other comedians' shows, offer encouragement, and collaborate on projects. Building a strong network of supportive peers is essential for long-term success in comedy.
• Remember Why You Started: Remind yourself of the reasons why you got into comedy in the first place. Was it for the fame and fortune, or was it for the love of making people laugh? Keeping your passion alive can help you stay grounded and avoid getting caught up in ego.

For the Comedy Community:

• Offer Constructive Criticism: Don't be afraid to offer feedback to new comedians, but do it in a respectful and constructive way. Focus on specific behaviors or jokes, and offer suggestions for improvement.
• Lead by Example: Show new comedians what it means to be a good member of the comedy community. Be supportive, respectful, and willing to help others.
• Create Opportunities for Mentorship: Organize workshops, panels, or other events where experienced comedians can share their knowledge and advice with newcomers.
• Promote a Culture of Humility: Celebrate comedians who are humble, hardworking, and supportive of their peers. Publicly acknowledge those who embody the values of the comedy community.
• Don't Enable Arrogance: Avoid booking or promoting comedians who are known for being arrogant or difficult to work with. This sends a message that such behavior is not acceptable.

The Bottom Line

New comedian arrogance is a complex issue with a variety of underlying causes. While it's understandable that new comedians might feel insecure or overwhelmed, it's important to recognize the negative impact that arrogance can have on their careers and the comedy scene as a whole. By embracing humility, seeking mentorship, and focusing on the craft, new comedians can avoid the trap of arrogance and build a sustainable and fulfilling career in comedy. And by offering support, guidance, and constructive criticism, the comedy community can help create a more welcoming and collaborative environment for everyone.

So, let's all try to be a little more humble, a little more supportive, and a lot more funny. The comedy world will be a better place for it.