Working on newspapers, you're writing to a certain length, often very brief pieces; you tend to look for easy forms of humor - women can't drive, things like that. That's about the level of a lot of newspaper humor. It becomes a form of laziness.

In this quote, Tom Wolfe criticizes the quality of humor found in newspapers, specifically pointing out the tendency of journalists to rely on easy forms of humor. He gives the example of common, simplistic jokes about women and driving, which are based on well-worn stereotypes. Wolfe suggests that these types of jokes are not only lazy but also fail to engage readers in more meaningful or thoughtful ways. He views them as a form of laziness, where writers choose familiar, shallow humor rather than putting in the effort to create more original or insightful content.

Wolfe’s critique highlights the limitations of writing for newspapers, where stories are often short and need to fit specific lengths. In this environment, there may be pressure to produce quick, often superficial content that relies on clichés rather than complex ideas or humor. By pointing out the prevalence of tired stereotypes, Wolfe suggests that many journalists take shortcuts when it comes to humor, opting for easy and formulaic jokes rather than exploring more sophisticated or nuanced comedic styles.

The quote also touches on the broader issue of stereotypes in media, where certain jokes or humor are repeated because they are perceived as easy to understand or widely accepted. Wolfe is calling attention to how lazy humor can reinforce harmful societal norms, like gender stereotypes, and limit the potential for more thoughtful or innovative approaches to comedy in journalism.

Ultimately, Wolfe’s statement is a critique of the standardization of humor in mainstream media, where convenience often trumps creativity. He argues that true wit and creativity in writing should go beyond clichés and stereotypes, encouraging journalists to challenge the norms of humor and strive for more meaningful and engaging content.