# Downplayed Serious Severe historical figures become modern pop culture comedians. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jan 25, 2011, updated Feb 1, 2011 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/historical-humor ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Downplayed Serious trend? **Downplayed Serious:** Humor today is much more crude and shocking than it used to be. One way to get a few laughs is by decreasing the seriousness of often serious subjects, such as historical figures and occurrences that would normally offend an older generation. Parodied and played with, these historical motifs signify a shift in pop culture and preferred comedy, which is skewing more and more toward playful flippancy. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 12, 2010 to Jan 25, 2011 - Published: Jan 25, 2011 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Downplayed Serious trend ### Pop Culture Parodies Decreasing the seriousness of serious subjects like historical figures and occurrences for comedic value and shock factor. ### Minimalistic Illustrations Minimalism gaining in popularity as simplifying art becomes a statement in itself. ### Humor with Social Cause Humor with a social cause gaining popularity to raise awareness and funding for social causes. ## What the Downplayed Serious trend means for industry ### For Art and Design Artists and designers need to be aware of the shift towards minimalism and parody of serious subjects in pop culture. ### For Humor and Entertainment Humor and entertainment become more crude and offensive in the name of shock factor, as a result parodies and minimalism become more popular. ### For Advertising and Marketing Popular trends in humor accompanied with social cause can be implemented in advertisements to raise awareness and funds for social causes. ## Trend signals for Downplayed Serious Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 70%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 61% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Downplayed Serious trend 5 featured examples from Jul 12, 2010 to Jan 25, 2011. - [Defaced Illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ali-jabbar-simple-public-figure): The Ali Jabbar 'Simple Public Figure' Project Omits Facial Features (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The minimalist illustrations can be displayed in households, offices, or hotels, presenting new opportunities for interior design businesses. - [Undignified Deity Drawings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jesus-is-a-jerk-sketches): These ‘Jesus is a Jerk' Sketches Speak Heathen Humor (Category: Social Good) Implication: Artists can expand their portfolios and capture a new audience by creating edgy artwork that challenges traditional religious themes. - [Iconic Crumb Dusters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moustaches-make-a-difference): The 'Moustaches Make a Difference' Campaign is Hilarious (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The 'Moustaches Make a Difference' campaign presents opportunities for the health and grooming industry to create specialized products and services tailored to men growing moustac… - [Activist Shower Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martin-loofah-king-exfoliating-glove): The Martin Loofah King Exfoliating Glove Mixes History with Hygiene (Category: Unique) Implication: The personal care industry could benefit from creating more imaginative and untraditional products as consumers demand more creative and political personal care options. - [Historical Character Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-giants-mini-figures): Little Giants Mini-Figures Collection Makes Prodigies Playful (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The collectibles industry can capitalize on the demand for miniature figurines of historical figures, offering a unique and educational twist to traditional collectibles. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)