We get the worrywart, the hypochondriac, the money-grubbing miser, the intractable negotiator... Some would say certain of these refer to the stereotypical, or 'stage' Jew. But objectively speaking, the only crime in humor is an unfunny joke.

In this quote, Alan King reflects on the use of stereotypes in humor, particularly those associated with Jewish characters. He lists various traits—such as the worrywart, hypochondriac, money-grubbing miser, and intractable negotiator—that are often used in jokes about Jews, acknowledging that some might consider these to be classic stereotypes or "stage" portrayals. However, King quickly moves away from discussing the ethnic or cultural implications of these stereotypes and focuses on the broader concept of humor itself.

King argues that the essence of comedy is not about whether a joke targets a particular group or uses a stereotype but rather whether the joke is funny or not. His assertion that "the only crime in humor is an unfunny joke" shifts the focus to the importance of comedic quality. To him, the true value of humor lies in its ability to entertain, and if a joke fails to do so, it becomes irrelevant, regardless of the content or target.

The origin of the quote lies in King’s experience as a comedian, where he navigated the fine line between humor that is clever and entertaining versus humor that crosses into offensive or derogatory territory. As a Jewish comedian, King was aware of how stereotypes could be used in comedy, but he also believed in the power of humor to reflect or critique society without causing harm—so long as it was done skillfully and with wit.

Ultimately, King’s quote emphasizes the subjectivity of comedy. It suggests that humor should be judged not by its use of stereotypes or the groups it targets but by how well it resonates with the audience. A funny joke can transcend its origins, while an unfunny one, no matter how well-intentioned, fails to have any real comedic value.