Does Laughter Reflect Your Character?

Let’s talk about it.

I’ve never heard casual conversation critiquing laughter.

But why not?

I think we should talk about it. I think we need to be aware… aware of how our laughter may reflect our character, beliefs and values.

First of all, have you ever watched America’s Funniest Home Videos? Ninety percent of it shows people getting hurt.

Have you noticed that?

Is that REALLY funny? Maybe there should be a different word for it than “funny”. Maybe instead of funny we can acknowledge that it’s actually a trigger for a “reactionary shock reflex” that results in an erupted laugh.

Regardless of what we call it, a laugh is the result — but think about it, some of these people are REALLY getting hurt. Isn’t the laughter more of a knee-jerk type thing, before the brain can actually analyze what it’s seeing?

And have you ever thought, when we laugh, what that says about our character? Is it acceptable to laugh when someone is in pain, is potentially severely hurt?

And, in the same vein, what about jokes?

If we laugh, isn’t it like giving the joke a big “thumbs up”? (Even if the joke is way off-color and you would personally never endorse that point of view?)

Should we attempt to have some control over our reaction? Because when we laugh, it says something about us, don’t you think? I mean, doesn’t it say we are accepting and supporting of whatever’s happening; doesn’t it say, “here is my personal stamp of approval”?

A couple of times I’ve attended a comedy show that left me extremely uncomfortable because they told jokes and set up such clever scenarios that it made me laugh, in that “shock factor, knee jerk kind of way” at situations and jokes that were outside of my moral comfort zone.

In my experience, I embarrassed myself — because in my heart of hearts I didn’t really intend to support what was being said with my laughter, which was naturally translated to applause, which gave the appearance of acceptance or an endorsement of the comedian’s script.

My reaction of laughter felt traitorous to my true ethical code.

Movies that are comedic are the same. There’s “shock factor” language, there are “shock factor” situations, there’s “shock factor” induced laughter all the way. It’s inconceivable to me that I would laugh at the content — except for the very clever presentation fooled me into it.

Also, have you noticed how laughter at another’s expense, often appears to be a main element when bullying situations happen? It’s mean-spirited laughter that cuts to the core, while gaining an audience. Everybody seemingly wants to join the shaming circle (to avoid personally attracting said bullying), allowing the teasing to gain ground. Confident, thick-skinned people seem to simply brush it off if they find themselves the butt of a joke but not so much the tender hearted and the marginalized. This fragile group have a naturally weak defense, as they typically wear their feelings on their sleeves while marching just a little outside the boundaries of culture’s so called “normal”, making them easy prey, easy targets.

Doesn’t it appear to be easier to present controversial material (sensitive and potentially explosive topics and opinions) under the umbrella of “comedy”? It seems like it’s easy to get instant followers when the disguise of comedy is carefully constructed.

On the flip side, it appears harder to get a laugh when the attempt is kept G-rated with mainstream everyday topics presented — and no one is getting hurt or shamed. Doesn’t it seem to require a much higher level of creativity and talent when subtracting the “shock factor” topics and language?

And for me, personally, a guilt free laugh is always going to be the ultimate best!

If no one is being demoralized, bullied, hurt and no X-rated topics are shockingly presented what is left? — some necessary, real creativity creating some genuine humor is what’s left.

Because true comedy, in its purist most elemental form, requires eliminating the shock factors and the demoralizing elements. If a laugh can be found within the bounds of a general audience rating — a comedian makes a REAL entertaining accomplishment.

That feels like TRUE creativity — TRUE comedy.

And for me, the humor and jokes now become ethically comfortable — and it feels like I’m admirably reaching for a much higher bar (where I can laugh with abandon).

I really like it when the bar is high.

And so, in conclusion, I want to encourage everyone to consider who we want to be and stay true to it in our laughter.

Because, for best results, life demands being intentional — is best lived with awareness of our actions and reactions (even the knee jerk ones!).

Here we grow again!

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