Comedy Against Work: Utopian Longing in Dystopian Times

Work is a joke, and laughing at it is political. Comedy Against Work demonstrates how laughing about work can puncture the pretensions of tyrannical bosses and unite us around a commitment to radically new ways of making the world together. It also exposes a war at the heart of contemporary comedy between those who see comedy as a weapon for punching down and those whose laughter points to social transformation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Common Notions

Work is a Joke. Laughing at it is Political.

Humor, as famously articulated by Groucho Marx, can be seen as "reason gone mad." For Walter Benjamin, laughter held a particularly revolutionary power. In a time when many individuals are reevaluating their relationship with the often-despised realm of "work," the question arises: what does it mean to take comedy seriously and utilize it as a tool to challenge and subvert the prevailing work culture?

Comedy Against Work, a thought-provoking and deeply personal exploration, offers a compelling answer to this question. Through a blend of philosophical insights and personal anecdotes, author Lane-McKinley demonstrates how laughter about work has the potential to puncture the pretensions of tyrannical bosses, while also uniting us in our commitment to pursue radically new ways of creating a more just and equitable world.

At the same time, the book sheds light on a fascinating conflict within contemporary comedy. On one hand, there are those who view comedy as a weapon to wield against others, seeking to perpetuate power structures and maintain the status quo. On the other hand, there are those who see laughter as a catalyst for social transformation, a means to challenge oppressive norms and promote positive change.

Comedy, across various mediums, including stand-up, sitcoms, podcasts, and late-night shows, serves as a powerful lens through which we can glimpse our longing to subvert power, break free from the constraints of work, and envision a world where liberation and joy prevail. It reveals our desire to transcend the limitations imposed by the dominant work paradigm and to embrace a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Through its engaging and thought-provoking narrative, Comedy Against Work invites us to reimagine our relationship with work and to embrace humor as a tool for liberation and social transformation. It encourages us to laugh not only at the absurdities and frustrations of work but also at the systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. By doing so, we can cultivate a sense of humor that empowers us to challenge the status quo and work towards a more equitable and fulfilling world.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781942173700