Comedy and Bigfoot

Photo Credit - Snorgtees.com

    Over the years, with the continued lack of concrete evidence, the world of bigfoot has become intrinsically linked to a more comical, caricature of the big guy. Despite the seriousness with which research groups pursue the alleged undiscovered hominin, this comic aspect has developed into a running joke, giving rise to goofy bigfoot merchandise, comic strips, and even advertisements campaigns.

    Now, I'm not saying I don't enjoy the more humorous side to the search for North America's Great Ape (I own the shirt pictured on the left) but I often wonder what this laughable perspective has done to relations between the serious researcher and your everyday, uninterested citizen. I fear jokes about bigfoot, or advertising campaigns (such as Jack Link's hilarious "Messin' With Sasquatch" ads), lead those who are unaware of the reality of bigfoot research to think of the whole search as a joke that only "those crazy bigfooters" take seriously. As it stands, most academics already frown on research directed towards the discovery of a previously unknown bipedal hominin. This stance, however, is much preferable to that of the major news networks who, in an overwhelming majority, direct condescending and mocking reports towards the subject. (See here CNN's "report" on Ketchum's DNA study, as covered by Cryptomundo.)

Photo credit - rcm0105 - CartoonStock.com

    Not to be mistaken, aside from the major news outlets, most sources that portray bigfoot as a joke seem not to harbor any ill intent. The comic to the right is one of my favorites. It pokes fun at a serious problem in bigfoot research in a goofy, yet non-offensive way.

    So what, exactly, are researchers to do when faced with the prospect of most people thinking their work is nothing more than a joke? In my opinion, I believe we should try to take it in stride. Instead of frowning upon more light-hearted portrayals of the big guy, or dismissing them as nonsense, I propose the serious bigfoot researcher can turn these jokes to their advantage.

    In most cases, to those who are not familiar with bigfoot research, the jokes surrounding it will be more known to them than the actual research. So why not use this as a means to garner attention to your work? Or, use this as a way of introducing your opinions on the big guy? One of the most important ways of effectively communicating with someone is to establish a common ground between them and yourself. Starting the conversation with both parties laughing at the same light-hearted bigfoot joke is a great way to find that common ground. From there, you can direct the conversation, in a slightly more serious manner, towards the work that you're doing. Or, present your views on the big guy in a non-aggressive way. (Further advice on how to present the idea of bigfoot, should you want it, can be found here.)

    In today's world, where comedy and bigfoot research have become intimately entwined, researchers must proceed with consideration and tact in order to successfully present the idea of bigfoot research as a serious venture. Gaining understanding and garnering interest from those who would otherwise be unaware of bigfoot being anything more than a joke will help advance the search for this alleged undiscovered hominin. But don't forget to let yourself have a little fun along the way!

    Thanks for reading!

 - A.Z.