Subversive humor is often used to question normative expectations about gender roles, power dynamics, and social hierarchies. It can serve as a tool for challenging dominant narratives and promoting equality, but it can also be problematic if not approached with caution. When people find themselves laughing at something that was intended to be critical, they may become complicit in reinforcing oppressive systems instead of undermining them. This creates a paradox whereby laughter becomes a form of resistance that normalizes transgressive practices. In this essay, I will explore how subversive humor traditions normalize transgressive practices and discuss the implications for social justice movements.
Transgression as Humor
Transgression refers to breaking established rules or norms. In comedy, this might involve making jokes about taboo subjects like sex, violence, or disability.
Stand-up comedian Hannah Gadsby joked about her own sexual assault in her Netflix special 'Nanette', which sparked a wider conversation about the way rape victims are treated in society. She said: "How dare you talk about women's bodies like that? How dare you? You think we don't know what happens when men get together? We know exactly what happens, because we've been told so many stories about it." Her joke challenges the idea that women should be silent about their experiences of male violence, while also acknowledging the reality of male violence against women. By using humor, she normalized talking about an uncomfortable topic in mainstream media.
Normalization Through Laughter
Humor has a unique ability to make difficult topics more palatable. It can help us process complex emotions, such as fear or anger, by turning them into something funny. When people find themselves laughing at something that was intended to be critical, they may become complicit in reinforcing oppressive systems instead of undermining them. This creates a paradox whereby laughter becomes a form of resistance that normalizes transgressive practices. Take the case of Dave Chappelle's infamous skit on transphobia, where he jokingly referred to himself as a 'transgender lesbian'. The skit generated controversy and backlash from trans activists who argued that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes about trans people.
Some viewers found it hilarious and did not consider its impact on the broader community. In this way, Chappelle's comedy helped to normalize transphobic attitudes within society.
Implications for Social Justice Movements
The use of subversive humor is complicated and requires careful consideration. On one hand, it can be used to challenge dominant narratives and promote equality. On the other hand, it can have unintended consequences when used irresponsibly or carelessly. For social justice movements, this poses a conundrum: how do we use humor without reinforcing problematic norms? One solution might be to focus on humor that challenges the status quo but does not rely solely on shock value or taboo subjects. Another approach could be to engage in dialogue with marginalized communities before creating content that touches on their experiences. By doing so, we can ensure that our humor reflects a deeper understanding of power dynamics and promotes collective liberation.
How do subversive humor traditions normalize transgressive practices?
According to some studies, subversive humor may help individuals challenge social norms, break taboos, and establish more tolerant attitudes towards others who are different from them. By allowing people to laugh at uncomfortable subjects, such as gender stereotypes or racism, they can be encouraged to view those concepts as less threatening and thus become more open to change.