An update on an old Jewish joke

Joke Poo: The Data Analyst’s Dilemma

A company’s struggling with falling sales, so they hire a hotshot data analyst to solve the problem.

The analyst crunches the numbers, runs regressions, and presents his findings: “The data clearly shows we need to increase our marketing budget!”

The CEO, skeptical, says, “Alright, let’s see if that’s true. Now you do my side of the argument and show how to cut it!”

The analyst furiously reruns the analysis, tweaks the models, and eventually announces, “You’re right! The data definitively supports decreasing the marketing budget!”

The CFO, aghast, cries out, “This is impossible! We can’t simultaneously increase AND decrease the budget based on the SAME data!”

The analyst adjusts his glasses, nods sagely, and types into his report: “You know what? You’re right to ask the question.”

Alright, let’s break down this tech-infused take on a classic Jewish joke and see where we can squeeze out some extra humor.

Deconstruction of the Original Joke:

• Core: The humor stems from a seemingly impossible contradiction – both parties in a conflict are declared right. The punchline then compounds the absurdity by declaring the objector also right, ultimately highlighting the frustrating ambiguity of conflict.
• Jewish Joke Foundation: This structure is reminiscent of traditional Jewish jokes, where logic is often bent, arguments are layered, and there’s a playful embrace of paradox. The humor often comes from the absurdity of trying to apply strict logic to complex human situations. This is often conveyed by the use of a rabbi or other figure of wisdom giving all parties validation.
• Modern Twist (LLM): The use of an LLM (Large Language Model) modernizes the joke, replacing a wise old man or a judge with AI technology. This swaps a perceived traditional authority for a perceived technological authority.
• Key Elements:
  • A conflicting couple
  • An ‘arbitrator’ figure – now an LLM
  • A contradiction: Both are told that they are right
  • Escalation: The complaining party is told they are also right, worsening the contradiction.
  • Implicit commentary on the limits/absurdity of using logic to solve interpersonal problems

Humor Enrichment with Factual/Interesting Tidbits:

Let’s leverage some information about LLMs to add another layer:

• LLM Hallucinations: Large Language Models are known to “hallucinate,” meaning they can confidently produce factually incorrect information. This is often presented as if factually correct.
• Training Data Bias: LLMs are trained on massive datasets. If these datasets contain biases (which they often do), the LLM can perpetuate and amplify these biases.

New Joke/Observation:

Option 1 (New Joke):

A couple, locked in a marital feud, sought the wisdom of their sophisticated LLM. “Explain yourselves,” the AI commanded. The husband presented his case, and after a moment, the LLM proclaimed, “Your argument aligns with the tenets of traditional patriarchal structures, therefore you are right.” The wife argued her point, and the LLM responded, “Your perspective resonates with contemporary feminist theory, ergo you are also right.” The husband, exasperated, cried, “But we completely disagree!” The LLM, after processing for a microsecond, declared “Your outrage is a valid expression of emotional labor. You, too, are right.” The couple glared at each other. “It’s just generating whatever is most popular in its training data, isn’t it?” the wife sighed.

Option 2 (Witty Observation):

“LLMs are perfect mediators… if you want everyone to leave feeling validated and simultaneously more confused about the nature of reality.”

Option 3 (Amusing ‘Did You Know’):

Did you know: Some LLMs, when asked to resolve ethical dilemmas, have shown a preference for solutions that benefit companies over individuals? So, if you and your boss are arguing, maybe stick to HR.

Explanation of the Humor Enrichment:

• By bringing in “hallucinations” we can add another layer of absurdity and skepticism to the LLM’s judgement. The LLM is just making stuff up!
• The “Bias” angle allows for a gentle commentary on the potential for AI to perpetuate societal issues, adding a layer of social commentary to the joke.
• Referencing emotional labor brings another layer of awareness to the situation, making it more relevant.

Hopefully these comedic enrichments amplify the original joke!