How does Sedaris manage to make us laugh at the other students without seeming to mock or make fun of them?

David Sedaris skillfully uses humor to highlight the quirks and idiOSyncrasies of his classmates while maintaining a tone of empathy and understanding. By focusing on his own experiences and observations, he invites readers to share in his perspective rather than positioning himself as superior. His self-deprecating style allows him to connect with others' absurdities without ridiculing them, fostering a sense of camaraderie rather than judgment. This balance enables readers to laugh with him, rather than at the subjects of his anecdotes.