The quote "Who chooses your clothing - Stevie Wonder?" by Don Rickles is a timeless example of his sharp, insult-based style of funny. To interpret this quote, it is important to understand the context and comedic method utilized in such a statement.
Don Rickles was understood for his insult funny, a design where humor is stemmed from buffooning or ridiculing others in a playful, non-malicious way. This particular line is no exception. Stevie Wonder is an acclaimed musician who has actually been aesthetically impaired because soon after birth. By referencing Stevie Wonder in the context of picking clothing, Rickles is humorously suggesting that the individual he's attending to has actually chosen an outfit that seems mismatched or visually disappointing to someone with a common sense of sight. The underlying humor originates from the indicated absurdity that someone who can not see is accountable for selecting a visually uncomfortable attire.
The humor here relies greatly on the audience's understanding of Stevie Wonder's visual disability and Rickles' credibility for providing such quick-witted and audacious jabs. It's crucial to acknowledge that Rickles' funny was always suggested in great spirit; his objective was to promote laughter rather than genuine offense. His audiences expected these sorts of remarks, and they were typically delivered in environments where participants were in on the joke.
Nevertheless, it's also essential to note that humor, especially of this nature, can be understood in a different way depending upon cultural context and personal sensitivities. What might be viewed as a light-hearted jest in one context might be perceived as insensitive in another, particularly when including impairments. Today, comics frequently tread more carefully around such topics, as greater awareness of and sensitivity towards varied experiences continues to grow. Nonetheless, Rickles' style stays an iconic example of mid-20th-century American funny, where boundaries of taste were navigated in a different way than they are today.
