I’ve ranted about fads before. Well, I’m going to rant again. Not badly this time. I’m more contemplative today, and less annoyed. =)

I was watching a TV news clip about the “This is a Big F*ing deal” shirt/joke which has swept the nation last week.

It was a midly amusing faux pas by our Vice President, and as presidential / political humor goes, it was worth a chuckle when it happened.

However, this news bit was showing people who were so excited because within three minutes of VP Biden making his on-air mistake, there were t-shirts made and available on the internet with his comment blazoned across them.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I appreciate funny t-shirts being made, and especially being made quickly for a timely event. What I wonder about is the ongoing wearability of time-sensitive political jokes.

I expect that the “This is a Big F*ing Deal” shirt will be mildly amusing for a few more months. By the end of the year, when people see the t-shirt they’ll be like, “Oh, yeah! I remember that.” By next year, the shirt won’t be funny anymore. It might have a resurgence in 2012 when re-elections are in the air. But, after that, you’ll have to explain the joke to people. That doesn’t make for an ongoingly funny shirt.

In contrast, take a shirt that has timeless humor. Like
or

or

These t-shrits are funny, but with timeless jokes. Ones that will outlast any single year or presidency. Sure Tibet might be free someday, but even if it is liberated, the shirt would still be funny.

Now, I’m not knocking the Big Deal shirt. It is funny, and I approve of all humor. I’m just noting that when you’re planning to purchase a funny t-shrit for yourself, are you looking for the quick laugh which will turn into a painting-the-house t-shirt next year, or one that will garner you giggles for life?