My old man never liked me. He gave me my allowance in traveler's checks

My old man never liked me. He gave me my allowance in traveler's checks

Rodney Dangerfield, the legendary comedian known for his self-deprecating humor and iconic catchphrase "I don't get no respect," often joked about his strained relationship with his father. In one of his famous routines, Dangerfield quipped, "My old man never liked me. He gave me my allowance in traveler's checks."

This line perfectly encapsulates Dangerfield's comedic style, as he used his own personal experiences and insecurities as fodder for his stand-up routines. The idea of a father giving his son an allowance in traveler's checks instead of cash is a humorous exaggeration of a lack of affection and connection between parent and child. It suggests a cold and impersonal relationship, where even the most basic gestures of love and support are done out of obligation rather than genuine care.

For Dangerfield, who often portrayed himself as a lovable loser who couldn't catch a break, this joke likely resonated with audiences who could relate to feeling unappreciated or undervalued by their own families. By turning his pain and disappointment into comedy, Dangerfield was able to connect with his audience on a deeper level and provide a cathartic release for those who shared his struggles.

The use of traveler's checks as the form of allowance is also a clever touch, as it adds an extra layer of absurdity to the joke. Traveler's checks are a relic of a bygone era, when people used them as a safer alternative to carrying cash while traveling. By using them as a symbol of his father's lack of affection, Dangerfield highlights the outdated and out-of-touch nature of their relationship.

Overall, this joke about receiving an allowance in traveler's checks perfectly captures Rodney Dangerfield's unique blend of humor and pathos. It is a poignant reminder of the power of comedy to turn pain into laughter and find connection in shared experiences of rejection and disappointment.