I don't think anyone is missing the point of the shtick.

But as you've said, "The jokes *might* be moderately funny when told by the author," so this is another thing people are laughing at.

And I should note: Laughing at them because "oh, wow, it's so embarrassing or shocking for them to say that" is basically the exact same thing that's going on when a comedian makes a punching down/offensive/dark humor joke in any context. Part of the reason it's funny is the audacity and unexpected nature of it.