[Lazamataz]

How exactly are people sitting in front of their computers reading articles going to be so traumatized by what they're reading that they need to make tacky jokes?

It depends on a person's sensitivity.

I've taken to crying at those sentimental AT&T commercials.

Seriously.

[spiffy]

I've taken to crying at those sentimental AT&T commercials.

Like the one where business dad and his long-haired son are arguing in the morning before Dad leaves on a business trip, and as dad is walking out the door, he says to his son, "And why don't you get that hair cut!"

[kaylar]

I cried at the "Here, Rusty!" dog food commercial. It showed a little Irish setter puppy sand a little girl growing up together. Very touching.

The whole "gallow's humor to deal with traumatic events" applies to people-firemen, police, combat vets, and many others-who have to use humor to deal with the horrific things they witnessed/dealt with/cleaned up. It has absolutely nothing to do with people who come no closer to dealing with a horrific event than reading about it in the papers or on their computer screens. That's not to see people don't have a right to try to find humor in a situation that does not affect them personally in any way whatsoever...but the 'gallow's humor' excuse does not apply to them, because they don't need to "deal with" something that never affected them at all.

[RightOnline]

"I've taken to crying at those sentimental AT&T commercials."

Does crying when I get their bill count?