Stand Up Comedy, originating from the United States of America, is what I'd always considered a weird place to foster professionalism and overall a cheap comedic performance art. It's something which has fascinated me throughout the years. If it wasn't so popular, I've might have never knew what it was. Though I do get jokes, I don't get why this is taken so seriously as a profession in the United States. I'd like to know what you think of this. You might not agree, but this of course is taken from my viewpoint, and you're welcome to express yours. 

Stand Up is still somewhat of a novelty in the Netherlands, in terms of performance variety, art- and skill- mastering, prior to this there was a comedic performance art locally known as Cabaret, which was already well-established and popular. Cabaret in Dutch has a different meaning than it does in American vernacular.    Stand Up performances (American most notably) was first broadcasted by Dutch national networks, this has inspired some well-known Dutch comedians and younger aspirationists, to try this American style of performing, some of them came to the United States to take notes, some even performed try-outs there.

It seems to me that it's not otherwise satisfying to do if it's not paid, but they and people in general should be more appreciative of recreation and leisure by balancing their productivity. What do you think?