Laughter as Politics: Critical Theory in an Age of Hilarity

The book "The Politics of Laughter" explores the role of laughter in constructing, preserving, and transforming contemporary social and political life. It offers a critical theory of laughter that challenges the conventional wisdom that laughter is a naturally emancipatory experience. The book demonstrates the contemporary relevance of these theoretical accounts through analyses of recent events of laughter, such as the 2010 Jon Stewart Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, Jordan Peele's 2017 film "Get Out," and Hannah Gadsby's 2018 Netflix special "Nanette."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Laughter holds a significant place in shaping, maintaining, and transforming contemporary social and political life. This captivating exploration delves into the intricate dynamics of laughter, offering a comprehensive examination of its political implications. By rejecting the traditional, normative question of whether laughter should or should not play a role in politics, this book pioneers a fresh and critical perspective, asking how laughter operates politically. It advances a critical theory of laughter that challenges the prevailing notion that laughter is inherently emancipatory, instead proposing a nuanced understanding of its complex and multifaceted effects. Through a rigorous re-reading of accounts of laughter provided by influential thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, Theodor Adorno, Ralph Ellison, and feminist and queer theorists like H l ne Cixous and Judith Butler, the book demonstrates the enduring relevance of these theoretical frameworks in the contemporary context. By analyzing recent events of laughter, including the 2010 Jon Stewart Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, Jordan Peele's 2017 film Get Out, and Hannah Gadsby's 2018 Netflix special Nanette, the book offers valuable insights into the political stakes and possibilities of our present-day "Age of Hilarity." This book provides the theoretical tools necessary to make sense of the political dimensions and potentialities of this era, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between laughter, power, and society.

ISBN-13: 9781474491556