One time in high school this girl posted a video of herself doing the cinnamon challenge. I can’t quite explain it but I knew deep down that the point of her posting the video of her doing the cinnamon challenge was to show everyone that she got new jeans. The jeans were so normal, but the way she wore them was boastful. I don’t think you could have gotten away with such a duplicitous performance while doing the ALS ice bucket challenge, because that would have appeared immoral. But then, the ALS ice bucket challenge wasn’t about being moral, in spite of its stated purpose. It was about tagging three friends. Which means it was about saying you had three friends, which means it was inherently selfish.
I have a rule where I don’t buy a shirt that looks like it knows its a shirt. The jeans this girl bought knew they were jeans - skinny, but with those little light wash streaks on the pockets.
Viral marketing stunts are debasing. They’re stunts that cannot actually stun because they exist for the purpose of marketing, not disruption (whereas something like a flip disrupts air, and its horrible rules). If you find yourself at the center of a viral marketing stunt, its obvious you know what you’re doing. If you’re not embarrassed you’re lying to yourself.
I am writing to let you know that I have three upcoming shows to promote, and also that in an attempt to promote these shows I tried to create a viral marketing stunt called the #WalkingMyDogChallenge. The call to action is explained in this video. You can participate if you want. I created the challenge because I am actually really excited about these shows and want people to show up. Two of the shows are Purim shows and two of them are fundraisers for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. HERE IS MORE INFO ON MY UPCOMING SHOWS!!! (ticket links included)
Thursday, March 21st:
Menschorama’s Purim Comedy Spectacular at 10Forward in Greenfield Mass (10 Fiske Ave, Basement), doors 7, show 8: At this one I’m gonna leave it all on the floor. I’m so excited to perform out of town! Fun fact when I visited my friend at Smith in 2016 I told her “I’m straight which is funny because look at me.” DO YOU LIVE IN WESTERN MASS OR NEAR??? PLEASE COME TO THIS
Saturday, March 23rd (TWO SHOWS):
St. Pagan’s Day at Topos Too (59-22 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood), doors 7:30 pm, show 8 pm, suggested donation to PCRF.
At this one I’m gonna leave it all on the floor. This show is at a bookstore that my friend Rachel works at!! Rachel is also producing the show. There are some really great comedians on the lineup. I’m going on right at 8 because immediately afterwards I’m hosting the
Footlight Presents Annual Purim Fundraiser show at the Windjammer (552 Grandview Ave, Ridgewood, NY), Doors 8:30 pm show 9 pm: At this one I’m gonna leave it all on the floor. One of my other Rachels (Ordan) will be performing on this show. She is a great standup and real life Elaine Benes, sorry to all who thought that was them. Other performers include Jamilah Sandoto who is an incredible musician/composer (and critical theory genius), Ben Wasserman (only comedian who is good at crowd work), singer-songwriter Carly Ruda who I am excited to hear play, and the contortionist Amazing Amy. I once got kicked off the stage at my fascist jewish high school for jokes I told in our purim spiel, so this is really a homecoming of sorts
OTHER STUFF
-I think I saw Ottessa Moshfegh on the street the other day. She was carrying a hellofresh box and it looked like she had been snacking on the cheese from the box
-Think of a couple of your best friends. Now imagine you were born in the UK in the late 70s. You became the Spice Girls didn’t you
-Do you think Susan Alexandra is going to come out with a guillotine in a couple years?
I hope I see you soon at a show or otherwise!!! Tell a friend about this newsletter or about me, and my message.