|
In this blog post, I want to ensure that my fans and friends are crystal clear on where I stand, in case there was any doubt. Let me address it upfront: I am vehemently against hatred, genocide, and bullying. My unwavering support lies with marginalized communities, and quite frankly, I am deeply concerned about the direction our country is moving towards. I understand the typical advice to stick to my ventriloquism and steer clear of politics, but as Alexander Hamilton aptly stated, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for everything." In a variation of this quote, Malcolm X said, "A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything." Either way it's a timeless idea about conviction.
This is not about party lines -- it's about basic human decency, kindness, tolerance, and acceptance which seem to be dissipating into thin air. If being labeled as "WOKE" comes with standing up for what's right, then I gladly accept it. My platform may be comedy, but my values are grounded in standing up against violence, erasure, and advocating for justice. The recent events in Minnesota are a stark reminder that silence is no longer an option and I condemn the actions that took place today. Reflecting on the wisdom of past Republican leaders like George H.W. Bush and Reagan, emphasizing the importance of immigration and our nation's role as a beacon of freedom and unity, it's clear that we have the capacity to do better. It's time to live up to these ideals and strive towards a more inclusive, compassionate society. We owe it to ourselves, our communities, and future generations to stand united against injustice, hatred and intolerance. "My goal now is to continue to make content that entertains and brings joy to others, but also shines a light on what's happening in our world. Let's spread awareness, inspire change, and make a difference, one person at a time. Sile Last year, I embarked on an exhilarating journey to the Rhyl Comedy Theater that left me buzzing with excitement. Stepping onto the stage in front of the lively UK crowd was a thrill like no other, and the energy in the air fueled my performance like a roaring flame. The vibrant atmosphere, blended with the audience's infectious laughter, created a moment in time that I'll hold dear in my heart, a treasured memory that keeps me smiling. As I retrace my steps through the vivid streets of Rhyl, Wales, accompanied by my delightful hostesses, I can't help but feel a rush of joy and gratitude for the incredible adventure that brought me here. Whether I'm sharing jokes on stage or exploring new horizons with wonderful company, each moment is a precious chapter in my comedic odyssey. Sile Thank you Nia and Donna for being great hostesses! All Photos taken by Donna Lloyd Ventriloquist Professional Photographer. Having a good sense of humor adds color to life! It’s great that you're sharing funny videos, like the one about language differences between the US and the UK. It's a shame someone got offended, but humor can be a tricky space. Talking about Presidents and politicians can be a touchy subject. It's interesting how different people perceive jokes - what tickles someone's funny bone might rub another person the wrong way. You're right to call out comedians whose humor crosses a line for you, like Dave Chapelle. It's important to stand up for what you believe in and switch the channel if needed. Your mom’s advice about giving people enough rope to hang themselves is wise - sooner or later, jokes that stem from insensitivity or malice tend to wear thin. Laughter truly is a balm for tough times, and as long as it's all in good fun and not at someone else's expense, it's worth sharing a chuckle or two!
Sile  In a time where chaos and uncertainty seem to control the narrative, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and drained by the constant stream of news and updates bombarding us relentlessly through our cell phones and laptops. Sometimes I don't feel like picking up one of my puppets and make a video to help bring laughter to a crazy world.
The struggle is real, and the urge to bury ourselves in a cocoon of exhaustion is understandable. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of anxiety and stress, the desire to create moments of joy and laughter should never be underestimated or dismissed as frivolous. In fact, in these dark and trying times, it's not just okay but necessary to seek solace in creativity and humor. While some may view my videos as out of touch, the truth is that now, more than ever, we need a reprieve from the never-ending madness that surrounds us. Balancing the fight for what we believe in with moments of lightness and joy is not only valid but essential for our own sanity. Remember, standing up for a better world doesn't mean sacrificing our ability to find happiness and laughter along the way. Hang in there, keep pushing for positive change, and don't forget to laugh – it's a powerful weapon against the darkness. Sile  Some people might not like what I’m about to say, but here goes. Watching marginalized communities get torn apart just doesn’t sit right with me. My parents taught me early on to live and let live, to mind my own business, and to treat others how I’d want to be treated. In a world that feels so divided and angry, you have to wonder how comedians are supposed to do their jobs. How do you make people laugh when it feels like chaos is winning? And if you’re part of one of those marginalized groups, how do you get up and perform for folks who might hate you just for existing? It’s rough out there, and I wish we could get back to being a nation that lifts people up, not one obsessed with tearing each other down.
People love to tell artists and entertainers to “stay in their lane.” Don’t talk politics, just entertain. The risk, supposedly, is that you’ll lose fans if you speak up—but sometimes you gain fans, too. Either way, it’s a gamble. Part of the job is reading the room, knowing which jokes will land and which ones won’t. You also have to know your own limits—when to push, and when to pull back. So how do you keep being funny in the middle of all this mess? Maybe it’s about remembering that humor actually brings people together. Laughter is like a release valve; it lets out the pressure before things explode. It’s those moments when people can let down their guard and just laugh, even if only for a second. But punching down—making fun of people who don’t deserve it—only adds to the problem. Personally, I’ve always found that self-deprecating humor works best. It’s honest, it’s vulnerable, and audiences respond to it. That’s why I feel a duty to find the funny in my own life and share it. Being a ventriloquist helps—after all, you can always blame the “dummy.” It’s a bit like the old Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis dynamic. They found ways to make people laugh through tough times, like World War II and Korea. The Smothers Brothers did it during Vietnam. The “Laugh In”variety show was another example. And who could forget Sammy Davis Jr. on “All in the Family,” flipping the script on Archie Bunker with just one kiss on the cheek? That was huge in the 1970s. In the end, having a comedy partner—real or made of wood—means twice the laughs, twice the joy, and maybe, just maybe, a little more peace, love, and understanding. Sile  A few weeks ago I was approached by a talent scout from America's Funniest People to audition for it. Turns out that she (the talent scout) got my information from a casting director for AGT for which I was approached to audition for season 19 in 2023. AGT scout emailed me and copied AFP talent scout. AFP scout said in the email that she enjoyed my audition piece from AGT and would be submitting it for consideration for AFP. A week later the AFP scout asked for additional videos and I send her my vent mask video which I thought was good. No answer back. Thinking that maybe this could be a joke I asked AFP scout to do a Zoom call with me to verify. I haven't heard back from her. Also consider that I called the AGT scout to voice a concern as well. Crickets. Both scouts are from the shows they claim to be from and their contact information appears to be legit. But why is there a voice inside me that is not sure. I know plenty of people who would love to hoax me but why? They're not asking for money or personal information. Did I ruin any chance I had by requesting a Zoom call with the scouts because I wanted to make sure that they were above board? Maybe I have a hard time believing that I'm good enough to be on national television. The trolls in my life would have a field day with that question. I found that whenever I receive compliments I often deflect because of the way I was raised. I'm going to try harder to stop caring about what others think and stay committed to getting better ever day as a ventriloquist. Sile |
SíleI write about Puppetry and Ventriloquism Archives
January 2026
Categories
|
RSS Feed