The study of humor is multidisciplinary, involving fields such as psychology, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and literature. Humor can be defined as "the quality that makes things laughable" (Oxford Dictionary), but its use has also been linked to coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful situations. In particular, repressed desires have been associated with various forms of humor, from the slapstick comedy of Lucille Ball's physical pratfalls to the dark satire of George Carlin's jokes about death. This raises an important question: How do communities use humor to resist repression of desire?
To answer this question, let us consider three examples. First, consider the relationship between humor and social movements. During the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, many leaders used humor to challenge racism and promote equality.
Comedian Dick Gregory once said "It was easier for the slave owners to give up their slaves than it will be for Americans to give up their prejudices." This joke played on both the absurdity of slavery and the difficulty of changing entrenched attitudes. Second, consider the way humor can help individuals deal with personal problems. In her book "The Joy of Sex," journalist Alex Comfort explores how sexual desire can be channeled into creative outlets like art or writing. Third, consider the role of humor in online dating profiles. Some users choose to include funny stories or memes in order to stand out from others who may have similar qualifications but lack a sense of personality.
Psychology of Humor
Researchers have proposed several theories of humor, including the relief theory (humor provides a release from tension), the incongruity theory (humor arises from unexpected combinations of ideas), and the superiority theory (humor is based on feeling superior to others). These theories suggest that humor can serve as a form of resistance against repression by challenging norms and expectations.
Politics of Humor
Humor has also been used in political discourse as a tool of resistance. In his famous monologue at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, comedian Stephen Colbert criticized President Trump's policies while still remaining respectful. Similarly, feminist humorists like Amy Schumer and Margaret Cho have used comedy to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality.
Some communities use humor as a form of protest, such as the "Gay Pride" parades which feature drag queens and other performers.
The study of humor shows that it can play an important role in resisting repression of desire. Whether through social movements, personal expression, or everyday interactions, humor can help individuals and groups break free from restrictions imposed by society.
How do communities use humor to resist repression of desire?
Desire is an integral part of human life that can be suppressed for various reasons. Communities may use humor as one way to resist repression by expressing their needs and wants through jokes, satire, and other forms of comedy. Humor enables people to communicate and share experiences safely and effectively, while also allowing them to challenge social norms and authority figures. In addition to providing entertainment value, it can serve as a form of resistance against oppressive regimes or dominant belief systems.