“Stay in your lane, John Branyan! You’re supposed to be funny! Just stick to comedy!” I hear this almost every time I write about anything that isn’t self deprecating (that means, I’m not making fun of myself).

You seem to think comedians are only allowed to comment on things like fashion, airplane food, or the awfulness of cats. Let me assure you that there is no “Sacred List of Approved Topics for Comedy.” My status as a comedian doesn’t put ANYTHING off limits.

Also, I’m allowed to speak WITHOUT punchlines whenever I want. Before you disagree, I will gently remind you that I am a professional comedian and YOU are not. There should be no debate about which one of us is more qualified to comment about this. I would tell you to stay in your lane but that’s beneath my dignity.

I’m a gifted interpreter of the language of ‘Un-funny.’ When you tell me to ‘stick to comedy,’ I know exactly what you’re struggling to say. Here’s the translation:

“I don’t like what you said, John Branyan. I understand the point you’re making and now I feel bad. I’m not going to wrestle with conviction because that requires thoughtfulness and thinking is really hard. Instead, I’m going to try to set myself up as the Supreme Judge of Comedy. I hope you’ll just shut-up and go away when I render my verdict that you’re not funny.”

The glaring irony is that you’re scolding me for lacking humor in the most humorless way possible. Let me make this clear since I know you aren’t able to interpret satire; “You don’t decide what I’m allowed to say.” And, telling me I’m not funny only reveals how little you know about comedy.

Here’s the lesson that applies to everyone whether you’re a butcher, baker, candlestick maker, or comedian. You are allowed to talk about stuff that is outside your area of expertise. You can write about politics even if you’re a farmer. You can comment on LGBTQ issues even though you’re straight. You can talk about women’s rights without being a woman (whatever that is). You don’t need to be a biologist to discuss gender. Those who tell you to stay in your lane are WAAAAAAY outside their own lane.

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.”

(Romans 1:18)