But it also became the experience, or was the experience, of the writers who were attracted to this kind of humor. They're all men or women who come from the same kind of experience in their own lives.

Norman Lear’s quote, "But it also became the experience, or was the experience, of the writers who were attracted to this kind of humor. They're all men or women who come from the same kind of experience in their own lives," reflects his perspective on how personal experiences shape humor and writing. Lear suggests that the writers who are drawn to a particular style of humor often share common life experiences that influence their comedic voice. The humor they create is a reflection of their own personal history and perspectives, which are central to their creative process.

The origin of this quote stems from Lear’s work in television, where he became famous for creating groundbreaking shows such as All in the Family and The Jeffersons. These shows explored social issues with humor, and Lear often worked with writers who had lived through similar societal struggles or had similar outlooks on life. In this context, Lear emphasizes that the humor they created wasn’t arbitrary—it was deeply connected to their own real-life experiences and the shared cultural moments they navigated.

Lear’s comment also speaks to the idea of authenticity in comedy. The writers who were drawn to his style of humor weren’t just creating jokes for the sake of it; they were using their personal experiences and insights to shape the material. This made the humor resonate on a deeper level with audiences, as it was grounded in the reality of their shared life situations. Lear’s work often focused on addressing real societal issues, and the writers’ personal backgrounds helped infuse the humor with a sense of truth and relevance.

In essence, Lear’s quote underscores the connection between personal experience and creative expression. The writers who gravitated toward his style of humor were not just skilled at crafting jokes, but they also brought their own lived experiences into the process. This shared experience was central to the way they created humor that was both relatable and impactful.