What is the function of comedy?
- Mr-Nick
- New Trial Member
- Posts: 5
- Joined: December 3rd, 2011, 4:20 pm
What is the function of comedy?
I suppose I’ve lately been thinking about this theme for two reasons: one is that I was listening to an interview with Ricky Gervais, creator of the British series ‘The Office’ , and he said that for him comedy wasn’t merely entertainment, but that it was also something that should ideally make people think. The second reason I’ve been thinking about it is because a friend sort of complained to me that I’m never serious about anything. I think though, that I agree with Ricky Gervais in that comedy is often something meant to make one think, analyze, or at least intended to draw attention to something serious, but in such a way that the heaviness of that subject does not need to be as felt. I believe people are inclined to approach serious matters in a comical way, because it makes them easier to deal with. As an example of a comedian who especially makes the listener/viewer think we can take George Carlin. In his stand-up he makes brilliant points through satire, irony, and exaggeration. If he made the same points without comedy I think half of people listening to him would think he was a ranting lunatic, and the other half might just not pay attention to him because lots of people might be saying the same thing, so we become bored. The genius of comedy and especially Carlin’s comedy is that he was able to draw the crowd’s focus in on some controversial and potentially heavy topics and have them laugh and enjoy themselves just as much as they were thinking.
Even if people didn’t agree with his political agenda (if he indeed had one) I’m sure they couldn’t help but crack up at his comic virtuosity. He may have also got those people thinking about and considering subjects that they wouldn’t otherwise have paid much mind to. Another example is the Daily Show, where some of the absurdness of modern politics is brought to attention, and I think it’s safe to say that the show provokes some thought from the audience, and that there are at times moments on the show that are pretty profound.
Anyway my question to the forum is whether comedy should be meant to be just entertainment or something meant to make listeners and viewers think. Is comedy for pure entertainment better in that it is funnier? Or do we need some base of theme that is serious in order to relate and so be more ready to appreciate the funny aspects of something? Lastly, does politically driven comedy, or comedy that’s highly satirical and designed to make people examine the world they live in and themselves, run the risk of simply not being funny?
- stormy phillips
- Posts: 302
- Joined: November 9th, 2011, 5:30 pm
- Location: N/I
Re: What is the function of comedy?
- Mhiky
- Posts: 14
- Joined: November 23rd, 2011, 12:48 am
Re: What is the function of comedy?
- Zatoichi
- Posts: 15
- Joined: December 8th, 2011, 10:22 am
Re: What is the function of comedy?
-
- Posts: 131
- Joined: October 19th, 2011, 9:17 am
Re: What is the function of comedy?
- Cyanse
- Posts: 21
- Joined: December 13th, 2011, 9:38 pm
Re: What is the function of comedy?
- Insext
- Posts: 123
- Joined: January 30th, 2012, 6:44 pm
- Favorite Philosopher: Maxine Sheets-Johnstone
- Location: Alberta
- Contact:
Re: What is the function of comedy?
If someone is laughing hard & loud all by themselves, something is usually wrong....
Comedy requires two people - a performer & an audience - therefore, it must have some social purpose. Most likely, bonding or/& the reduction of inter-group tensions.
2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month
Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023