Jez's Blog

In his 2004 book, Status Anxiety, Alain de Botton, a philosophical writer, argues that the chief aim of humorist is not merely to entertain but "to convey with impunity message that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly." Further, because society allows, humorists --including cartoonists, stand-up comics, satirical writers, hosts of television programs, etc -- to say things that other people cannot say or will not say, de Botton sees humorists as serving a vital function in society. I cannot agree more with de Botton's assertion.

The end of our beloved world is just around the corner of our lifetimes. Just kidding, but seriously. Just kidding, but seriously? So is this a joke or what? Unless you have never heard about global worming, the butterfly effect, the ozone depletion, the rapid climate change, or other global environmental issues that are in presence, otherwise you probably won't take it entirely as a joke. Humorists are able to say things that other people cannot say or will not say because, with humor, they are able to make an unpleasant subject, or critic sound agreeable. According to de Botton, performances of humorists do not only aim to entertain their audiences, they also convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly. These messages are often attempted to bring up people's awareness of certain issues in the society in order to "correct" the society. As a result, these messages may involve critics of the authority such as the government or important public figures. However, people do not accidentally do bad things. They knowingly do wrong. This is why these messages may be dangerous to state directly. For instance, stand-up comics often make fun of social issues, particularly about sex or politics which are usually very sensitive topics to talk about in public. Yet, stand-up comedians are able to get away from openly stating their opinions or critics about these topics because they are funny, their performances are funny, which in fact makes their performances enjoyable. Humor is like lubricants: it alleviates the tension between the speakers or writers and their audiences who object their ideas or opinions. It is hard to say no while laughing.

Nevertheless, the advantage which allows humorists to present messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly is also a disadvantage. Being funny, indeed, is a main factor that allows humorists to say what others might not be able to say. However, being funny might also make it harder for the audiences to take humorists seriously. But the problem is that who else can effectively present sensitive topics in the public? Certain topics that are related to the society, especially those that are concerning flagrant social issues that nobody wants to discuss about. The purpose of the messages given by humorists are to "correct" the society. However, if nobody wants to talk about the problems, or to bring up people's awareness about the problems, then how is it possible to find the solution for these problems?

Certainly, when things finally gotten out of control, the authorial figures of the society, such as the president, will have to present the issues of the society, solemnly, to the people. The seriousness of a presentation of an authorial figure will, without a doubt, attract people's attention to the topic immediately. However, such seriousness may also cause intense objections. For instance, it has been hard for the government, or even some media, to discuss about homosexual. This is because that they cannot encourage, nor can they despite homosexuality in public. On the other hand, though, humorists can easily joke around with this topic. Furthermore, by discussing the topic with a humorous and relaxing appearance, humorists would less likely to offend their audiences, or cause intensive objections from their audiences (perhaps from the actual homosexuals, if there is any). In addition, if there is anything that has gone to the point where it needs an authorial figure to publicly address it to the people, man, it has got to be very serious. Perhaps it would take a war to solve it! Just kidding, but still, it could be hard to solve. Hence, this is why is humorists serving a vital function in society -- they bring up people's awareness for current issues in the society, intending to encourage people to "correct" the "flaws" of the society before they get too serious.

Personally, I enjoy reading works from humorists, or watching their performances. I realized that the reason why people, including myself, find the contents that are performed by humorists funny is generally because that many of them are about the reality. In fact, a lot of them may be similar to many people's personal experiences, so people can relate to them easily. Different types of humorists use different techniques to present their presentations. Cartoonists uses cute, goofy cartoon characters; satirists uses exaggeration, irony, sarcasm, and understatements; stand-up comedians use great humor, and present personal awareness...etc. But, after all, they all serves for the same purpose: not only to entertain people, but also to bring up our awareness to our societies. I wonder have any of you ever go, "oh my goodness, that is so true!" when you read, or watch humorists present their works? I have.

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