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Wed 11 Feb, 2004 01:49 pm
Taking advantage of six coupons, I made my semi-annual visit to the local Hallmark Shop to pick up a batch of Birthday Cards.
I'll be the first to admit that my sense of humor is not mainstream. I'm old fashioned and prissy. Obviously, I don't appreciate bathroom humor--and obviously I don't buy bathroom humor. Still, I recognize that bathroom humor appeals to some people and they deserve to be able to purchase mass produced bathroom humor if they so desire.
What I don't understand is the number of mean-spirited and nasty cards that masquerade as birthday greetings. Why do people pay $2.50 for a card (and another $.37 for the stamp) to insult people on a special day?
Can anyone explain?
Because they are too lazy to write a letter.
I don't buy them, and don't understand the appeal of the cards or the roasting tradition.
That's an odd proem, SealPoet.
Why spend $2.50 to compliment them?
I think you answered your own question though...some people have a sense of humor.
Personally, I hate sentimental cards. If you want to tell me something sappy, then tell me. If you're going to send a card -- sentiment by paper proxy -- I wanna be amused.
Roasting is a form of affection. Just ask Slappy, when we tell him that his inflatable goat needs patching he feels the love.
My son and I have been sending each other "insulting" cards for years. I agree with Craven that it is a form of affection. I think that if I ever sent him a serious card, my son would think that I had gone bananas! :wink:
I tend to like 'off the wall' cards myself, I suppose its just an available avenue for those of us less sappy.
Many people are uncomfortable expressing their true feelings. Many people are uncomfortable receiving expressions of affection. Insulting cards sidestep the uncomfortableness and accomplish the same result, as long as both the sender and the recipient know the code.
In some situations -such as a card presented by a group of fellow employees- true feelings may be absent or mixed, and a "gag" card covers more bases.
Of course, a personal note is always better than a pre-written card....no great honor is bestowed on that special person by passing on someone else's aphorisms, whether insulting or goopy.
I'm not one to send sentimental cards. Goo and treacle don't express my best wishes.
I like cards with witty, flippant messages--with no "yah-yah yer older!" overtones.
Noddy- Do you know the name of that old lady who is on a series of witty but somewhat nasty cards?
oh...that I know Phoenix, she is my favorite
MAXINE!
go to hallmark.com and search for Maxine..all kinds of fabulous things
ohh..they've given her her own place
http://www.maxine.com
fabulous
Maxine saves my sanity in Hallmark shops. Unfortunately, her humor doesn't fit most men.
I love the mean and nasty cards. They make me laugh. It's fun playing tit for tat with your friends.
You have to know your audience though. I wouldn't send my great aunt gertrude anything but an awful poem and pastel flower card.
Phoenix32890 wrote:My son and I have been sending each other "insulting" cards for years. I agree with Craven that it is a form of affection. I think that if I ever sent him a serious card, my son would think that I had gone bananas! :wink:
My son and I do the same thing. It's very rare that I give someone a serious card.
I like both...the funny (& often sarcastic) as well as the soppy syrupy ones. Depends on the person, the occasion and which type of card I find first! As soon as I find a "good" card, I stop lookin'.
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