Laughter and Ridicule

This book offers a critical exploration of humor, arguing that laughter often serves as a tool for social regulation rather than pure enjoyment. Laughter and Ridicule provides a fresh perspective.

In Laughter and Ridicule, the author challenges the common belief that laughter and humor are inherently positive. Instead, they present a social theory that positions humor, particularly in the form of ridicule, at the core of social interactions. This perspective suggests that all cultures utilize ridicule as a means of enforcing societal norms and conventions. By examining the role of humor in various contexts, the author invites readers to reconsider the implications of laughter on social dynamics.

The book takes readers on a captivating journey through historical perspectives on humor, from Thomas Hobbes' concerns about laughter's power to the modern, packaged 'fun' presented by mass media. The author engages with significant theories of humor, such as those proposed by Bergson and Freud, who both highlight the complexities and darker aspects of laughter. Throughout Laughter and Ridicule, the author emphasizes the dual nature of humor, where it can serve both as a tool for social cohesion and as a mechanism for exclusion.

By delving into these themes, the book not only enriches the understanding of humor but also addresses broader social issues like regulation, control, and the quest for emancipation. As a blend of scholarly research and thoughtful critique, Laughter and Ridicule offers readers a significant contribution to the discourse on humor and its role in society.