The Politics and Psychoanalysis of Comedy

The book "Political Humor: Why We Laugh and Why It Matters" explores the political aspects of comedy and how humor is shaped by unconscious social and psychological factors within a particular cultural and historical context. It argues that contemporary comedy is often shaped by a dynamic between a Leftist super-ego censoring thoughts and speech and a Libertarian Right promoting free speech as the ultimate value. Comedians seek to make their audience laugh by poking fun at sensitive and taboo subjects, presenting an alternative to Left-wing political correctness and identity politics.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

This captivating book delves into the intricate political dimensions of comedy, exploring how humor is intricately shaped by unconscious social and psychological factors within a specific cultural and historical context. Building upon the foundations laid by Sigmund Freud's exploration of jokes, Robert Samuels contends that any universal model of comedy must acknowledge the profound influence of distinct genres, which themselves are shaped by distinct political psychopathologies. As we delve into contemporary comedy, we encounter a recurring structure that is observed across the globe. In this dynamic, we witness a clash between what is perceived as a Leftist super-ego that censors thoughts and speech, and a Libertarian Right that champions free speech as the ultimate virtue. Within this complex interplay, comedians seek to elicit laughter from their audiences by humorously addressing sensitive and taboo subjects, whether intentionally or unintentionally. These humorists offer an alternative to the prevailing Left-wing political correctness and identity politics, presenting a refreshing perspective that challenges societal norms.

However, it is important to note that contemporary comedians find themselves in a peculiar predicament. As the Right is deeply committed to rejecting the cultural dictates of the Left, comedians are compelled to cater to Right-wing politics in order to remain relevant and successful. This dynamic creates a fascinating interplay between comedy and politics, where the boundaries between the two blur and comedians navigate a delicate balance between humor and social commentary.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the political aspects of comedy, shedding light on how humor is influenced by unconscious social and psychological factors within a particular cultural and historical context. Through its examination of contemporary comedy, it highlights the interplay between Leftist super-ego censorship, Libertarian Right values, and the challenges faced by comedians in navigating the complex terrain of political discourse. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of comedy studies and provides insights into the ways in which humor can be used as a powerful tool for social change.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666945744