Dear Flippy,

            Recently, I found myself in quite the predicament. I was doomscrolling Instagram reels–as one does behind the wheel–when I came across something… something downright horrifying. It was… a clip from some guy’s Minecraft gameplay with a funny caption. But that’s not what’s scary. What terrifies me is that, although it was meant to be funny, it lacked any of the distinct characteristics of a good reel. No “6-7,” no “WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT… SELAM ALEYKUM ALEYKUM SELAM,” no obnoxious “I GOT THIS!” soundbite, no Incredible Gassy gifs, and–worst of all–no remixes of the hit 2011 single “Riley” by Juicy J, edited with the most annoying “FAH” sound effect of all time between lines. How am I supposed to laugh at this? I’m genuinely confused. Please Advise.

Sincerely,

the Humor Harbinger

Dear Humor Harbinger,

            First, please change that name. You sound like a D-List DC villain. Should I expect to see a James Gunn show about you? Jesus…

            To answer your question, what you’ve come across is called a “meme”, and back in the day they used to make sense. Honestly, I don’t know what anything you just said is, and you can’t convince me that at least one of those wasn’t made up.

In any case, might I suggest returning to the classics? Much like with books, older memes are often better–and better for you–than the artless mainstream slop heaped onto your Instagram feed like pigswill to a summer hog. Go back to the basics. Watch some Youtube Poops. Rediscover the beauty of “I can has cheezeburger.” Read rage comics. Maybe even spend a few hours on 4chan. Your mind is corrupted, but not beyond repair. I know you can fix your broken humor.

With disdain,

Flippy