Stupidity and Laugh Tracks

I found Klosterman's article rather amusing, though I also found it somewhat insulting. I think I would have found it more insulting if I didn't agree with his stance. I mean, saying that I'm not capable on my own of deciding whether or I should laugh at a joke is belittling. But, Americans do tend to shy away from being unique and tend to not form their own opinions. We are programmed of the correct responses to numerous, unique circumstances and perform these responses like robots. While an individual is smart, people do tend to be stupid. I can honestly say I've never consciously acknowledged whether or not a sitcom used laugh tracks. However, in retrospect, I have observed how people react differently to "comedy" in sitcoms that use and don't use them. I personally would like to think that I'm am an exception to Klosterman's rule more often than not, as I pride myself in having a unique sense of humor. But, I've never actually monitored my reactions to sitcoms with and without laugh tracks and observed the differences. I think I will definitely be more aware of how laughter is used on a day-to-day basis.