These days, Harris Wittels is probably best known, as one of the producers of NBC's hilarious and prolific hit, Parks & Recreation. He's also written for Sarah Silverman's self-titled Program, Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer's launch pad, Human Giant, and the filthily funny Danny McBride vehicle, Eastbound & Down. ALL very, very funny shows. It was no surprise that his book, Humblebrag, was equally so.
Personally, I am not a big fan of most social media. Seems to me like an oversized idea cum-dumpster*. It appears to cultivate narcissism, and prevent people from communicating effectively and forming real, lasting connections with each other. I've had 2 Facebook accounts since 2009, and deleted them both. I have never Tweeted anything. (What can I say? I'm a fucking hermit. Oh shit. Was that a Humblebrag?) While social media can be a great way to get in touch with old buds, or promote a business, it is overall, sociologically counterproductive. "I could be wrong, I could be right." (LINK)
*Which is funny, because a blog is like an individual oversized cum dumpster.
Anyway, that's just my fucking opinion, and I'm not at all passionate or authoritarian about it. Interactive networking is constantly changing, and it appears to be slowly improving. This book is part of that paradigm shift. Whether in evolution or devolution, there is never any choice but to adapt. Yet, we can all be sure that Twitter is in no way essential to the survival of anything, except itself, and Humblebraging.
In lieu of this nonchalant disdain for social media, I repeatedly laughed out loud, and thoroughly enjoyed a book that was almost totally steeped in Tweets. Philosophically, it's partially about the mentally healthy practice of laughing at oneself every now and then. More so, it's about laughing at our modern media-humanity, which is (at times) just a bunch of monkeys masturbating on mirrors. A Humblebrag, is exactly what it sounds like. It's when someone tries to hide the fact that they're bragging, name-dropping, or compliment-fishing with some obviously fabricated humility as a side order. Here's one example I'll re-Tweet from the book:
Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks)
Ouch! I think I'm developing carpel tunnel from writing MODELLAND novel. Plus I type with 3-4 fingers. Besides typing lessons, any remedies?
Don't give models book deals?
Well said, dude. I especially enjoyed Wittel's caustic commentary. A playful sarcasm, with an artistically linguistic edge, which has been a hallmark of the shows he's worked on. His is the fun, sardonic, yet rational voice in a universe otherwise inhabited by thinly-veiled self-ads made mostly by self-absorbed twit-twats. However, in this pursuit, he is never disrespectful without merit, and is ultimately respectful to all his allies. He also adds a communicative element by supplementing relevant, personal and professional information about himself into the context of the commentary. This is accomplished without ever losing rhythm or pace. It's a quick read. A perfect book to read on a long flight/train/car ride etc. Even if the Tweeturbation of Humblebrag's myriad subjects doesn't give your funnybone a good kick in the ass, Wittels wit will.
We are all guilty. Everyone has Humblebragged before. It's one of those human foibles to which no one is immune. The tall and the small, the famous and obscure. All are humblebraggarts. Wittels himself admits to doing it too. He shows us that Humblebragging is a funny part of natural human interaction. It has existed throughout all human history, and like social media, it isn't going anywhere. Fortunately, neither is Harris Wittels' flashing blade repartee. There is potential here for multiple volumes too. If a sequel is released, I'll surely read it. In the meantime, Parks and Recreation is returning for season 6 this September.
Humblebrag is available on Amazon in hardcover or kindle (LINK). Harris Wittels also occasionally does podcasts on the Video Podcast Network (see Post 68 or LINK). I'll close this post by quoting, Twitifying, and snarking on my own Humblebrag from this past Spring in this very fucking Creek:
Aaron Wielgorecki (@thebeastofbloggycreek)
"Since I am not funny, it is fun for me to watch and write about people who are. #selfdefecatingape"
Don't say that, you're really funny. #eyesrollinlikedonrickles
"Anger is an energy." - J.R.
-2013 Wielgorecki
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