‘Course I Talk Funny

There was a time when people didn’t have to worry about over-analysis and scrutiny from social media police. You could tell a story and without risk or worry about contempt or condemnation. You could just be funny without care.

Tony disliked being made fun of or teased but he was not above teasing or making fun of anybody and everybody. When he was giving it, he didn’t feel the hurt he felt when he was getting it. When he did it, he liked when friends, neighbors, or perfect strangers laughed at what he said, and more often, the way he said it.

INT. DEMIAN’S PUB AND ORIENTAL NAIL PARLOR

Tony just finished a belittling tease for a couple of friends, Rocco Vitozzi and Vito Manzzini.

ROCCO

You’re a pisser, a real pisser. You’re really funny.

TONY

What do you mean I’m funny?

ROCCO

It’s funny! The stuff you say and the way you say it is funny. You’re a funny guy! [laughs]

TONY

What do you mean, you mean the way I talk? What?

ROCCO

Yeah, the way you talk and tell a story. It’s just, you know, it’s… funny.

TONY

You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it’s me, but I’m funny how, I mean funny like I’m a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

ROCCO

Just… you know, how you talk when you tell a story, what?

TONY

OK. Well, course I talk funny, I’m Chinese ain’t I?

VITO

You’re too much, T!