Why was it funny?

I love how Faith took a different approach in looking at humor. We've studied this topic in depth from many philosophers' standpoints. And, we've discussed through blogs a little about how humor is used in science. It is interesting to hear the sociological view on humor. I do agree humor plays a major role in our human interactions...that part is obvious. But, whether or not these humorous interactions influence our values and beliefs...this is a harder, interesting, and more complicated question. I believe in a way all human interactions with others influence our beliefs. When challenged with another perspective (especially one with a solid argument), it's human nature to rethink our ideologies. However, claiming jokes play a (major or even minor) role in changing our beliefs, is a difficult argument to prove. Considering the nature of humor (silly and normally not evidence-based), a person with a solid ideology is most likely not going to be influenced. More than a...

The Office differs from most comedy shows in that it employs a unique comedic style. For example, unlike other sitcoms such as Friends and Seinfeld , The Office does not feature a laugh track into its background noise. One can argue this stylistic choice is to create an increased sense of awkwardness and realism to their static office scene, but I believe just like political satire often employs ambiguity to broaden its audience, The Office is utilizing a similar technique.  The laugh track establishes very set and stone points at which the audience is supposed to laugh. In a way, it is possible, since humor is argued not only to be strongly related to social constructs but part of our social identity, hearing a collective of people laughing encourages us to do the same. Even strong moral me finds herself laughing in Friends along with the laugh track at jokes I would typically deem a violation. Telling jokes followed by awkward pauses and complete silen...

As an intended applied math major and human physiology  enthusiast, I genuine enjoyed Paige's post. After reading many philosophers' stances on humor, it's cool to learn a little more about the scientific studies conducted on this subject. I especially found her comment on how  therapists  use cartoons on their patients as a means of therapy interesting. To show a fragile patient what their going through in something as silly as cartoon form sounds almost absurd. But, not only does this type of therapy work, it helps their patients understand why they can't get over whatever their going through. This ceases to amaze me! But, when I think about what psychologically must be going through the patients head, it makes sense.  Thus far, after maybe the most traumatic moment in their life, a patient has only been able to see a devastating situation haunting them one way. This cartoon therapy must physically allow their brain to see the traum...

Great post, Caroline! I love the way you analyzed in depth what exact phrases you found funny in the comedian's stand-up act! This was very insightful and helped the reader/viewer better break down what exactly is causing laughter in the video!  We've been using the Superiority Theory as a simple explanation for a humorous situation, and as a result, we've been looking at humor through a pinhole. In her post, Caroline mentioned how "well constructed stand-up comedy depends less on the audience feeling superior and more on the self-awareness of the comedian". This was a point that went beyond the surface level when analyzing humor. The question is: Is the audience laughing  at  the comedian? or Are they laughing with him? and What exactly does the comedian,  John Mulaney, find funny about his own jokes? (Obviously, if he didn't find his own jokes hilarious, he would n ot be showcasing them publicly).  Well, arguing Mulaney has a sense of self-aware...

When Alexis specified her humor not being for everyone, she was talking about the minority like me who cannot stand " the raunchy and mean types of comedy". For the few who do despise this type of humor as I do, the humor itself serves as a painful reminder of how different we are from a society which appraises the exact opposite values and morals we've been taught and accepted since we were born. As much as I am tempted to spend this post criticizing Cody Ko and his friend's blatant acceptance of what so many consider the "cool" way of life, I'm going to refrain from doing so. Besides, this example of humor offers me the perfect opportunity to shed light on a major flaw I encountered when studying Freud's Relief Theory. As we already know, according to Freud's theory, our body's are storing "stress" accumulated overtime for confining to societal norms, from acting in a way which is acceptable. This is why, he claims, humans ...