Richard Russo in the prologue of his novel "Straight Man" writes…"I just want to be entertained… I agree with the premise, and I too just want to be entertained. I am almost never entertained by what entertains other people who just want to be entertained doesn't make us philosophically incompatible. It just means that we shouldn't go to movies together."

I loved those lines. I love all his writing, but I particularly loved those lines.

Haven't you opted out of going to see a "dark, heavy, intense, difficult" piece of theater, or movie, with the explanation that you wanted to be "entertained." Then, of course, you feel compelled to qualify that statement with all sorts of disclaimers. "I had a tough day, week, month, year…my co workers have been impossible, difficult, trying, demanding and my love life is stalled, frustrating, challenging, disturbing" all in the hope that you won't be judged as being an intellectual lightweight.

Why is that?

Fear of being mute at a dinner party? Being stopped by Leno, in his man on the street segment, and not knowing any answers?  Leaving gaping holes in your crossword puzzle? Not getting on Jeopardy?

Probably not.

Just have a differing of opinion about what you find entertaining.