seeing people in embarrassing situations or making light of their character quirks (no I don't think someone's country of Origin is a character quirk)

Now sometimes (like stand up comedy) it's the person themselves pointing out their issues and encouraging people to laugh at their own shortcomings.


A lot of the humor for the cast of Characters on that show is based on serious issues

Barney- Alcoholism

Milhouse- Socially awkward nerd, bad with talking to ladies.

Abraham Simpson - Elderly/senile

Moe The Bartender: Physically unattractive, Anger Issues, lonely and suicidal as a result of all that

Cletus the Slack-jawed Yokel: Poverty/lack of education.

Comic Book Guy- Obese, Antisocial outcast.

Bart: Behavioral issues and an abusive Father

Those are serious, real life issues people struggle with daily but for the most part we feel comfortable laughing at them.