• Question: Why do we laugh at others' misfortune and insults when it is quite obviously not funny?

    Asked by ogoldfinch09 to Laura, Lena, Sean on 22 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Sean Murphy

      Sean Murphy answered on 22 Mar 2012:

      I think this is an example of nervous laughter, as an expression of embarrassment, alarm, discomfort or confusion, rather than amusement. People may laugh nervously when exposed to stress due to witnessing others’ pain, or when they need to project dignity and control during times of stress and anxiety. In these situations we usually laugh in a subconscious attempt to reduce stress and calm down.

Comments

  • Photo: ogoldfinch09

    ogoldfinch09 commented on :

    I’ve been doing some research and I’ve found that almost every joke ever made involves insulting someone whether they are the comedian, the audience, someone not present or an imaginary figure (perhaps a symbol rather than a person). When I hear a racist joke or a sexist joke it is clear that it is not followed by “nervous laughter” but genuine amusement as I stand on the sidelines wondering why it is funny.