Dizzy Rebellion: Ya Just Gotta Laugh

 "Consider some of the ways in which humour can be rebellious. How might humour work to challengeauthority, and what examples of this can you identify"

Traci-Lynn Timony

PHIL-1013-(40)-23W

Dr. Edward Matthews

February 12, 2023

 

            It appears the political fruit of the twenty-first century is ripe with material for mockery. History tends to repeat itself. It is interesting to delve into the stories of historical comedy and satire and understand that authoritarian figures have quite often been the source of ridicule. From Aristophanes’ Lysistrata in which the women of Greece withhold marital relations until their husbands kiss and make up with each other to (my personal favourite) This Hour has 22 Minutes mocking Justin Trudeau’s lack of integrity in the sketch “Broken Promises Memorial Forest”, we common folk love to poke fun at our leaders. We understand that they hold authority (typically because we gave it to them willingly); however, when we view their actions as at the least, unwise or at the most, abhorrent and understand there is little recourse until the next term allows us to vote differently, we just gotta laugh.

            During the times that commoners feel superior to authority figures – which seems to be frequent – annoyed and creative people jest; seemingly adopting Descartes’ idea that the satire they create may be noticed by its subject who will then correct their errant behaviour; but it rarely works out that way. Instead, Kant’s theory (with one toe in incongruity and the other in relief) is realized; the joke negates the tension established in the narrative. Honestly, there can be much tension and seriousness surrounding decisions made and actions taken by political or religious figures! For example, there is nothing compatible with the ideas of war and comedy, but the tension can be temporarily soothed with the act of laughter. How often to we hear the phrase, “this is no laughing matter”? Our logic whispers, “it’s not”, but our mouths scarcely conceal the giggles. According to Schopenhauer, this incongruity between logic and laughter is, in fact, logical!

            There are times in which civilians of society are not necessarily relieving the tension of a political act or decision, but rather the inflexibility of an authority figure. Donald Trump has certainly availed himself to the comics of our day with his inflexible and narcissistic attitude. A moment must be taken to thank Mr. Trump for all of the material he has provided to feed starving satirists. Interestingly enough (but not surprisingly), with the sheer number of comedians across North America and beyond making fun at him, Trump stayed completely inflexible. The jokes, mockery, and debasement seemed to cause him to cement his feet, which made the people laugh more. According to Bergson, this very situation would be considered socially acceptable, what a relief!

            As children, most are taught to respect people in positions of authority while observing the authority mock those in authority over them. Inhibition is bred in childhood disciplinary moments, but according to Freud, when we can release them, we can experience a feeling of lightness. In other words, it feels good to get it off our chests! The “social valve” idea established by Bakhtin as he discussed his thoughts on carnivals allowing for the dispensation of propriety holds merit. Being given licence to hold elected or placed authorities accountable via satire, even if for a short period, relieves the tension built by frustration and sometimes anger at these officials. The thought that “Carnival behaviour…. effectively turns traditional social hierarchy on its head” (McDonald, 2013) has a dizzying, empowering effect on the people. People understand that the jokes at which they laugh will not likely uproot the established authority but can -- at least temporarily -- allow them to shed the depressing realities of life. Humour changes things, but carnival is not a rebellion that starts a revolution, it is revolutionary rebelliousness. As a society, we have not yet found a way to embrace peaceful anarchy, nor are we anywhere close to it. Authority abounds, and often makes mistakes that can be frustrating and even anger-inducing. At the end of the day, ya just gotta laugh!