Meaning: This quote is a humorous and thought-provoking reflection on the subjective nature of humor and personal preferences. Joe Murray, the artist behind this quote, is known for his work as a cartoonist and animator, particularly for creating the popular animated series "Rocko's Modern Life." In this quote, Murray expresses his personal opinion about the comedic value of cheese and bananas, while also referencing a specific anecdote involving a creative decision.

The quote begins with Murray stating, "I think cheese smells funny, but I feel bananas 'are' funny." Here, he is expressing his personal viewpoint on the humorous qualities of cheese and bananas. The juxtaposition of these two food items in terms of their perceived funniness sets the stage for a lighthearted and whimsical exploration of humor and individual perceptions.

Murray then introduces a specific scenario by mentioning someone referred to as "Swamp" who apparently shared a story about executives requesting a replacement of bananas with cheese because they believed it would be funnier. This anecdote adds a layer of absurdity and irony to the quote, as it highlights the sometimes perplexing and arbitrary nature of creative decision-making in the entertainment industry.

The quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the subjectivity of humor and the often unpredictable nature of creative processes. Murray's personal opinion about the comedic qualities of cheese and bananas serves as a starting point for a broader reflection on how different individuals perceive humor in distinct ways. The anecdote about the executives' request further underscores the idea that what one person finds funny may not necessarily align with others' perspectives, and creative decisions can sometimes be influenced by unexpected or unconventional considerations.

In the context of Murray's background as a cartoonist and animator, it is likely that he encountered numerous instances where creative choices, including those related to comedic elements, were subject to debate and negotiation. The anecdote about the executives' request to replace bananas with cheese may well be a real-life example of the type of surreal and amusing experiences that creative professionals in the entertainment industry often encounter.

Overall, the quote by Joe Murray offers a playful and insightful commentary on the subjective nature of humor and the idiosyncrasies of creative decision-making. By combining personal opinion with a humorous anecdote, Murray invites readers to reflect on the often unpredictable and diverse ways in which humor is perceived and interpreted. The quote serves as a reminder that humor, like many aspects of creativity, is deeply influenced by individual perspectives and experiences, and that unexpected and amusing moments can arise in the process of making creative decisions.