What kind of shoes do kidnappers wear?

Joke Poo:

What kind of bathroom fixtures do ghosts install?

Vanishing panels.

Alright, let’s break down this joke:

Original Joke Analysis:

• Setup: “What kind of shoes do kidnappers wear?”
• Punchline: “White Vans.”
• Humor Mechanism: The humor lies in the stereotype associated with white Vans. In internet culture (especially meme culture), white Vans are often associated with the “basic” or “vanilla” archetype, and in a darker twist, with stereotypical kidnappers that often appear in crime shows or movies. The unexpected association of a mundane, everyday shoe with a sinister activity creates comedic incongruity.
• Key Elements:
  • Kidnapping
  • White Vans
  • Stereotypes
  • Incongruity

Now, let’s use these elements to craft some comedic enrichment:

New Joke/Observation/Did You Know:

Option 1: Witty Observation

“The alarming thing isn’t that kidnappers wear white Vans. It’s that white Vans have somehow become the default shoe for people who plan elaborate schemes involving duct tape and a windowless van…and that the vans are also white.”

Option 2: ‘Did You Know’ – Factual Twist

“Did you know that Vans were originally designed for skateboarders? Ironically, the sticky rubber soles, intended to provide grip on a skateboard deck, now also provide a non-slip surface for dragging unwilling participants into a waiting vehicle. Just kidding… mostly. Seriously though, skateboarders love white vans.”

Option 3: New Joke (Playing on Brand Association)

“Why did Vans get kicked out of the Footwear Ethics Conference?
Because they kept trying to market their “Secure Grip” collection to… a different market. Their spokesperson claimed they were ‘just kidding’ and they actually stand against kidnapping.”

Option 4: Self aware, ironic joke

“What do you call a kidnapper wearing black vans?
A try-hard. Seriously, everyone knows the stereotype; white vans, aviator glasses, a plain white t-shirt. Stop trying to be edgy, criminals.”

Explanation of Choices:

• Option 1 plays on the absurdity of the stereotype, extending it to other elements of the “kidnapper” image.
• Option 2 introduces a factual element about the Vans brand and its origins, contrasting it with the dark humor of the original joke.
• Option 3 takes on the brand (Vans) in a playful way, referencing a “Secure Grip” feature and hypothetical marketing gone wrong.
• Option 4 is self-aware, acknowledging the ridiculousness of trying to be a “unique kidnapper” by deviating from the established stereotype.

The goal in each case is to amplify the humor by building on the existing elements and adding a layer of unexpected information or perspective.