Humor is a complex concept analyzed by diverse intellectuals from different stances. It is a state of communication that evokes positive emotional responses and can express mixed feelings, from joy to sorrow. A literature mechanism that drives readers to laugh or that strives to make readers smile is understood as humor. By breaking up the monotony and boredom, it hopes to reduce the anxiety felt by the audience. The author or speaker employs approaches, devices, terms, and sometimes complete phrases to deliver new and hilarious elements of life. Humor is widely employed in writing, acting, and promotion when the main goal is to keep the audience joyful. Over the years, many approaches have been designed to explain the notion of humor. The three most well-known theories are superiority, incongruity, and arousal relief (Kuipers et al. 362). These theories deliver a practical foundation for further breakdowns on humor and its function in diverse contexts. This paper will claim that humor is a powerful rhetorical tool that challenges societal models, fosters social bonding, and aids in coping with difficult circumstances.
Superiority Theory
The most notable theory of satire is the superiority theory, which offers that humor emanates from feeling superior to others. According to this approach, humor occurs when one perceives self as superior to others regarding intellect, knowledge, or capability (Lintott 340). This feeling of superiority is then conveyed through laughter or other expressions of amusement. Examples of this humor include stand-up comedy and jokes in popular cultures. For example, a stand-up comedian may joke about a particular type of individual, like a peasant, and the listeners will laugh because they feel superior to the peasant in some way, or people may find it funny when someone trips and falls because they perceive the person as clumsy or awkward (Lintott 353). This type of humor can challenge societal norms, allowing people to express their feelings of superiority in a comedic and lighthearted way. Lintott states that humor facilitates social bonding, as members of different groups share feelings of superiority.
Incongruity Theory
This theory is one of the most broadly acknowledged theories of humor, which holds that humor derives from the perception of the contradiction between anticipations and reality. It posits that when confronted with something that does not make sense or is unexpected, we experience a cognitive disconnect that can result in Humor (Cundall and Micheal 207). This theory explains why people often find irony and puns funny, as they juxtapose two seemingly unrelated concepts. This theory suggests that humor often arises from the clash between our expectations and reality. Humor helps challenge societal norms by highlighting the incongruity between them and our expectations. For instance, a comedian might joke on a widely held cultural belief that, while amusing, prompts us to consider whether or not it is true. By fostering a sense of shared absurdity, comedy can promote social bonding. When people laugh at the same joke, they discuss its absurdity (Cundall and Michael 212). By helping us to find humor in the contradiction of our circumstances, humor assists us in overcoming challenging circumstances. We can address anything by finding a way to chuckle at how ridiculous it is without being overcome by the severity of the situation.
The incongruity theory of humor states that laughter arises from the unexpected discovery of dissonance or incongruity. Reinterpreting the setup and punch line turns perplexity into funny. Instead of perplexity, we get a resolution and laughter. Scary or harmful surprises block amusement (Cundall and Michael 212). For instance, discovering the head of a precious horse in a mattress is odd, but very few people would laugh. Humor changes our mental state from a severe state of sensing and thinking about something that fits abstract habits to a no-serious condition of being entertained by some dichotomy. Serious people worry when the world does not match their expectations. Playfulness makes incongruities fun. This breakdown lays the framework for an empirically founded comedy study in which incongruity be adjusted in a lab to increase or decrease humor. The incongruity theory, which most modern theorists favor, has flaws. The hypothesis works best for linguistic humor, where uncertainty is the easiest to create. We also enjoy re-watching sitcoms, where we expect and anticipate the humor (Kuipers 396).
Arousal-Relief Theory
According to the Arousal-Relief hypothesis of comedy, laughter is an evolutionary adaptation used to ease social tension or stress. This hypothesis contends that humor lessens the severity of the arousal brought on by stressful circumstances. Humans have developed humor as a coping mechanism for unpleasant emotions, including fear, worry, and discomfort. Anticipating a favorable outcome, which results in less arousal, is the cognitive process involved in humor (Kuipers 397). The conventional view of humor as a purely cognitive process in which hilarious stimuli are perceived as inappropriate or unexpected contrasts with this hypothesis. According to the Arousal-Relief theory, humor is a physiological reaction to a perceived threat that lessens arousal.
Critics of the arousal-relief Theory have argued that it does not adequately explain why some people find particular humor funny. In contrast, others find it not since the theory does not consider individual differences in humor appreciation, such as a person’s level of education, culture, and gender (Lintott 345). As such, the arousal-relief theory fails to explain why certain types of humor are funnier to one group of people than another (Kuipers 389). In addition, the arousal-relief theory also fails to explain why some people may laugh or smile at jokes or situations that are not intended to be humorous (Rappoport 16). The theory needs to focus more on the physiological response to humor than the cognitive process of humor appreciation.
The Function of Humor
Since the dawn of time, humor has been utilized in various contexts. Humor helps people laugh, lightens the tone, and breaks the ice. While comedy can help individuals laugh and feel better, it serves many other purposes (Kuipers et al. 362). Humor serves a variety of internal and external purposes. Humor can promote a feeling of community and understanding among individuals. According to Kuipers, humor helps to foster a sense of connection and camaraderie while reducing tension and strengthening relationships (Cundall and Michael 212). A stressful or uncomfortable situation can be diffused through humor, allowing individuals to move on and continue their conversation.
Humor allows people to laugh and gain new insight, which can help them deal with stressful situations like losing a loved one. People can utilize humor to understand better, manage their emotions, and give them the willpower to carry on (Kuipers 370). Finally, humor at work can assist in fostering a more positive and effective working atmosphere. Using humor, employees can build better relationships with their colleagues and supervisors and create a more relaxed atmosphere (Kuipers 386). It helps to reduce stress and improve morale while also helping to increase overall productivity. Humor is a vital aspect of human life and operates in various roles. It creates interpersonal connections, makes the workplace more enjoyable, and acts as a coping strategy. Understanding humor’s functions can help us use it more effectively.
Research demonstrates that humor can have many advantages and plays a significant role in the workplace. Barriers are overcome, employee morale is raised, and it may even advance one’s career. By shielding against stressful conditions and fostering higher team resilience, laughter can lower stress and make a workplace feel pleasant and welcoming (Cundall and Michael 206). Laughter releases endorphins from the brain, stimulates the heart and lungs, and boosts blood flow. People can more easily relate to one another when common ground is established since it shows that one is composed and in charge of a situation; humor is also a vital tool for career growth.
The Rhetorical Tools of Humor
Using humor as a rhetorical device to engage audiences, shape ideas, and make a point has a long history. The art of effective and persuasive language use is known as rhetoric (Lintott 353). By utilizing words and phrases to provoke emotion or conjure up images in the audience’s mind, rhetoric attempts to change the audience’s way of thinking and acting. Because it can bring attention to a problem, simplify complicated concepts, and establish a connection between the speaker and the audience, humor is a powerful rhetorical technique (Cundall and Michael 205). Through humor, one can convey a complex message in a palatable way. It lightens the mood and allows the speaker to make a point without sounding preachy or lecturing. For example, a speaker discussing the importance of voting rights could joke about the difficulty of filling out the ballot and how procrastinating is more accessible than taking action (Rappoport 16). This humorous approach humanizes the topic and inspires the audience to take action.
A sense of camaraderie between the speaker and the listener is fostered through humor. It demonstrates the speaker’s ability to make complex subjects more approachable and understandable and their openness to discussion and willingness to share a joke. For example, a speaker discussing global warming could use humor to emphasize the seriousness of the issue in a lighthearted way (Cundall and Micheal 209). Humor can also challenge the status quo and encourage critical thinking. A speaker may use humor to draw attention to a topic and encourage audience members to consider it more carefully. A speaker on the topic of the gender pay gap, for instance, could make light of the reality that men still make more money for the same job (Cundall and Michael 209). This tactic encourages the audience to consider the issue and potential solutions more closely.
Humor and Social Issues
People have traditionally used humor to build relationships and discuss delicate subjects in a non-threatening way. Comedy may be a potent instrument for addressing challenging, complicated societal concerns in the current social and political instability environment. Humor enlightens and informs, brings attention to an issue, and provides a platform for dialogue and understanding (Martin et al. 504). Humor can bring attention to an issue less aggressively than traditional methods. It helps break down barriers, allowing people to approach an issue differently and discuss it in an open, non-judgmental environment (Morreall 31). Humor can also challenge existing beliefs and assumptions, allowing people to think outside traditional norms.
According to Martin, Humor can also provide a platform for dialogue and understanding. By using humor, people can discuss complex topics in a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing discussion and debate (Cundall and Michael 206). Humor can also foster understanding and empathy, as it lightens a situation and shows an understanding of another person’s point of view (Kuipers et al. 392). Humor brings attention to an issue in a creative way. People can draw attention to a topic entertainingly and engagingly by using humor. It can spread knowledge about a problem and entice individuals to participate in the debate. Complex societal concerns can be challenged and addressed with humor. Using humor, people can bring attention to an issue creatively and engagingly, providing a platform for dialogue and understanding (Cundall and Micheal 210). Humor can also reduce barriers and promote empathy and understanding. In the end, comedy may be a solid instrument to meaningfully and successfully confront societal challenges.
Humor and Culture
Humor is a common language that unites individuals from all backgrounds. Communication can be tricky since humor is different across cultures. Understanding the various types of humor across cultures is essential to make meaningful connections (Mireault et al. 56). Humor varies significantly between cultures. While comedy can express emotions or unite people in some cultures, it can also be seen as disrespectful or unprofessional in others. Certain cultures may be more forgiving of jokes considered inappropriate in other cultures, so different civilizations may also have varied comedy standards.
Jokes or culturally unique references are a couple of examples of cultural humor. For instance, in the United States, making jokes about oneself is typical of self-deprecating humor. In contrast, self-deprecating humor is often frowned upon in Japan. Instead, humor is used to praise or compliment someone (Mireault et al. 58). Similarly, humor is frequently used in China to express respect and adoration for someone. In contrast, humor is frequently utilized in India to make light of a situation and add humor to a discourse. Mireault asserts that humor may bring together people from all cultures and backgrounds (Lintott 358). We may appreciate and know how humor functions as communication by understanding the various forms of humor in diverse cultures (Cundall and Michael, 204). Using humor respectfully and appropriately can create stronger connections with people from different cultures.
Conclusion
People’s lives are only complete with humor, which has numerous advantages. It can help us understand things, feel more connected, relieve stress, and unite people. Humor facilitates communication and the analysis of challenging situations. Understanding how to utilize humor responsibly and respectfully is crucial since it is a valuable tool. It is critical to consider the feelings of others around us and to be aware of the potential impact that humor may have on their attitudes and actions. The still reasonably new field of using humor in research still has much to learn. Future studies should focus on how humor improves communication or fosters empathy and understanding. It is also crucial to consider how humor strengthens relationships and gives people a sense of empowerment. We may utilize this knowledge to our advantage by better understanding how humor works in various situations.
Works Cited
Cundall Jr, Michael K. “Humor and the limits of incongruity.” Creativity Research Journal 19.2-3 2007: 203–211. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400410701397263. Accessed on 18th.April.2023
Kuipers, Giselinde. “The sociology of humor.” The Primer of humor research 8 2008: 361–398. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110198492 Accessed on 17th.April.2023
Lintott, Sheila. “Superiority in humor theory.” The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism 74.4 2016: 347–358. https://doi.org/10.1111/jaac.12321. Accessed on 18th.April.2023
Martin, Rod A. “Humor, laughter, and physical health: methodological issues and research findings.” Psychological Bulletin 127.4 2001: 504. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0033-2909.127.4.504 Accessed on 17th.April.2023
Mireault, Gina “Humor and culture.” Humor in Infants: Developmental and Psychological Perspectives (2016): 55-59. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-38963-9_6. Accessed on 18th.April.2023
Morreall, John. Comic relief: A comprehensive philosophy of humor. John Wiley & Sons, 2011, pp. 25–42. ISBN-13- 978-1405196123
Rappoport, Leon. Punchlines: The case for racial, ethnic, and gender humor. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2005, pp.13–26. ISBN-13- 978-0275987640
write