Adam Kotsko proposes that “awkwardness” hit its stride not only in the early 00’s, but also had it’s day in the sun in the 70’s. I believe there may be some truth to that, at least in the case of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
While Kotsko specifically hones in on American culture, I believe that the culture of Britain was similar enough in character (from what I can tell) to have produced similar results. In the specific case of Monty Python, the bureaucracy of mid-century Britain created an intense awkwardness for everyone who either couldn’t catch up or didn’t know how to. Attempts to standardize everything came off as ridiculous, and yet seemed perfectly sensible.
In particular, I would like to point to these sketches:
The Hungarian phrase book sketch definitely works upon Kotsko’s “radical awkwardness” as there is no real way to navigate this situation of a complete and total breakdown of communication between two people who do not speak each other’s language.[1] It’s made even more awkward by the fact that the Hungarian is using the one possible tool for bridging this gap, but it has been incorrectly translated (we find out in another sketch, maliciously) to produce incoherent and sexually suggestive phrases instead. As an outsider, the awkwardness is felt when we are also attempting to understand what he means, realizing that there is no way for him to clearly communicate, and the “punchline” comes when the store clerk attempts to use it as well and has been punched for his, apparently, equally vulgar translation.
I would argue that this sketch relies on “everyday awkwardness” in the character of Mr. Anchovy.[2] He is described as “an extremely dull person,” among a litany of other things that Cleese’s character throws at him, and thus his ambition to be a lion tamer is unfit for his social persona. This clash between the corporate hierarchical distinction of this drone of a man versus his awkward fervor for a job he could never “fit in” with (and fully misunderstands) is as hilarious as it is cringe-inducing. It’s hard not to feel bad for this man who is clearly stuck in a rut, as a lot of us can relate to, but fundamentally misunderstands his own capabilities and how the world works. Ultimately, his “condition” is labeled a “social disease,” as his inability to effectively adapt to and take on new opportunities makes his existence awkward.
Adam Kotsko, “Awkwardness; an essay” in A Brief Introduction to the Study of Awkwardness. (Winchester: O Books, 2010)
[1] Adam Kotsko, “Awkwardness; an essay” in A Brief Introduction to the Study of Awkwardness. (Winchester: O Books, 2010), pp. 7-8.
[2] Kotsko, “Awkwardness”, pp. 6-7.