WHY BY THE COW?
First and foremost let me just say that I absolutely adore John Mulaney. He’s hilarious he’s clever and he’s just an all-around good guy. I think the world could use more John Mulaneys.
That being said I was a bit perplexed when I heard his latest stand-up routine “Why by the cow?” Mulaney has always been a bit of an absurdist but this routine takes things to a whole new level. In it Mulaney posits that the reason we have cows is because God wanted us to have something to eat when we’re feeling sad.
I have to admit I’m not sure what to make of this routine. On the one hand it’s clearly meant to be funny and Mulaney is a master of comedy. On the other hand there’s something about the routine that feels… off. Maybe it’s because it’s a bit too close to the truth for comfort.
Mulaney isn’t the first person to suggest that the reason we have cows is because they’re meant to be food for when we’re feeling down. In fact this is a pretty common belief. In a 2014 episode of the show “South Park” the character Cartman comes to the same conclusion.
So what is it about this theory that makes it so compelling? I think part of it has to do with the fact that it’s a bit of a dark humor. It’s funny because it’s true in a way that we don’t like to admit.
Another part of it I think has to do with the fact that it’s a pretty cynical view of the world. And while I don’t necessarily agree with that view I can see how it would be appealing to some people.
So what do you think? Is Mulaney onto something with his latest routine? Or is he just messing with us?
What is the name of John Mulaney’s first comedy special?
The Comeback Kid
What is the name of John Mulaney’s second comedy special?
New in Town
What is the name of John Mulaney’s third comedy special?
The Buckets
What is the name of John Mulaney’s fourth comedy special?
The Comeback Kid
What is the name of John Mulaney’s fifth comedy special?
New in Town
What is the name of John Mulaney’s sixth comedy special?
The Buckets
What is the name of John Mulaney’s seventh comedy special?
The Comeback Kid
What is the name of John Mulaney’s eighth comedy special?
New in Town
What is the name of John Mulaney’s ninth comedy special?
The Buckets
What is the name of John Mulaney’s tenth comedy special?
The Comeback Kid
What is the name of John Mulaney’s eleventh comedy special?
New in Town
What is the name of John Mulaney’s twelfth comedy special?
The Buckets
What is the name of John Mulaney’s thirteenth comedy special?
The Comeback Kid
What is the name of John Mulaney’s fourteenth comedy special?
New in Town
What is the name of John Mulaney’s fifteenth comedy special?
The Buckets
