A Question about Humor

Why is referential humor acceptable when we in general demand total originality from pieces? Is this a confession that nothing exists in a vacuum? I myself see nothing wrong with "borrowing" as long as it is natural and integrated well, though if we get too close to the source material we should definitely cite it. Integrating source material gives art (whatever kind it is) a broadness and can improve the piece; sometimes the references push fans away, other times they don't, but in general they seem to provide some liveliness if done correctly. Other things can be very influential and we shouldn't always be afraid to admit to it. You don't have to slip in direct references, but I think references can really help out in some cases. We are humans and we make associations, and I think that part of our nature is not dishonorable. We need to be original, but at the same time references can expand the meaning of something.