Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sohan, Rahat
American Literature/Contemporary Composition
Period 2
05/23/18
The uses of comedy in modern society are endless; however,
where must a comedian draw the line. Beyond comedy, what ethics
the presence of others. Over the course of several weeks, I have
gathered extensive data on the practicality and justifications for dark
pardoned the usage of offensive dark comedy by justifying it as a tool
for recovery. By laughing at a serious topic, it lessens it’s severity and
pressure. Furthermore, dark humor is treated as taboo due to society’s
Prior to conducting my research, I expected to find little data
defending and justifying the positive uses of such comedy; however,
there’s much medical studies that prove that it has it’s benefits. For
example, a victim that suffers from post traumatic stress disorder may use
according to general acceptance, most people this form of humor
somewhat appealing, to certain degrees. The goal of this research
project is to dissect the existence and significance of dark comedy
culture and more. The basic premise of making a joke out of serious
Through the naming of this humor style this comedic effect has increased
in its usage and influence. Modern comedians use this form of humor
In his journal article, “The Use of Gallows Humor and Dark Humor
during Crisis Situations” (2003), journalist Maxwell W. presents the ethic
behind the usage of dark humor as a coping mechanism. Maxwell
expresses how many use dark humor to release stress, cope with pain,
and for enjoyment. The author uses a serious and sensitive tone towards
those who apply dark humor as a way to cope. Considering the tone, he
Sohan 3
intends to reach those studying mental health of those who face, or
Next in the journal article, Dark Laughter and Light Comedy:
Humor and the American Character (2011), R.G. Collins justifies the
usage of dark humor in American plays and literature. Collins provides
and aggressiveness hidden by the dark nature of the joke. The author
exposes dark humor, which was commonly used in the past, found
maintains a neutral tone, appealing to those who wish to study the
Moreover, in his web journal, The Dark Side of Humor: DSM-5
asserts that a person’s humor and tolerance are associated with their
personality and behavior. Hill supports his assertion by providing several
studies he has conducted on college students, by gathering their
individual personality traits and humor styles. The author uses data from
the Personality Inventory and his own studies to categorize people by
Judging by the informative nature of the article, it is meant to be an
Sohan 4
attempt to help psychologists and other mental health experts to better
Other-Deprecating Humor in Health Messages” (2015), author Ji. Young Li
claims that some forms of self-deprecating humor is justified. Lee
throughout the article, in order to, properly justify the usage of
Just like the previous author, in his article, “The Use of Humor in the
Workplace” (2006), Eric Romero claims that humor can be provide
significant benefits to a working environment. Romero states several traits
of management that humor allow. The author also connects the
workplace. Romero keeps a neutral stance on the issues, appealing to
those who wish to manage their employees in a more fun and effective
manner.
Sohan 5
To build upon the previous works, this web journal, Humor Styles
Stieger claims that humor is essential to human life and individual activity.
Steiger presents research to further teach the benefits of humor. The
author gives examples of how a person may act depending on what
they find funny in order to identify the connection between humor and
diversity. Judging from the informative tone, the other intends this article
In his article, Interaction of Humor and Gender in Moderating
Relationships Between Stress and Outcomes (2010), author, Millicent Abel
Ebel provides data off his study on the interactions between humor and
stress. The author maintains a neutral tone throughout the article, in order
to properly justify the relation between humor and emotion. He hopes
humor to be false, “Responses to failed humor (2008), Nancy Bell asserts
that humor is often misunderstood and taken out of context. Bell
provides several examples of jokes that are taken out of context and
Sohan 6
themselves to express fake laughter to failed humor, in order to avoid
offending the creator of the joke.. Bell keeps a neutral stance on the
issues, appealing to those who wish to study the psychology behind
In his web journal, The Missing Element in Health Care. Humor as a
Form of Creativity (1993), Florence Ditlow claims that humor is often
neglected in the field of healthcare and medical expertise. Ditlow
presents research to further show the benefits that humor in medical
in order to justify the usage of childish behavior in such a significant
medical professionals to lighten up before they conduct or execute a
risky operation.
In his Netflix Original, Homecoming King, Hasan Minhaj claims that
he dealt with through racism for comedic purposes by utilizing a
and the stereotypes in which he highlights the disadvantages of being
an Indian-American Muslim in the state of California. His comedy offers
the point of view of an immigrant father, along with his challenges and
Sohan 7
the form of sarcasm and over exaggeration to make them seem
ridiculous
prisoners of war using black humor as a way to manage their terrible
pasts. Henman expresses the many ways the army veterans utilize a dark
sense of humor to lighten the trauma of battle. The author incorporates a
melancholy tone to enhance the respect and usage of this humor style.
Considering the tone, the author supports the veterans choice of humor
In her journal article, An Antidote for Terrorism (2003), Elaine
Pasquali justifies the usage of dark humor in regarding terrorism through
context of emotional adjustment. Pasquali expresses how, in the light of
the September 11 attack, these jokes may be seen as inappropriate.
Pasquali further explains the positive stress benefits that are created
through usage of dark humor to relieve stress and reality. The author
In his web journal, Sociological Approaches to the Study of Humor
(1983), Gary Fine asserts that a person’s humor correlates to their physcology.
Fine backs up his idea by providing many studies he has finished on college
students. The author uses data from test showing that social analysis is
recommended in the presence of others. We can tell from his neutral tone the
author holds nothing against the existence of dark humor, appealing to the
majority of teens.
search engines and databases were taken advantage of in order to find
accurate data from credible authors. The research provided the context
needed to from a proper answer towards the research question. The proper
answer may vary by person, but through my perspective It’s easy to believe
that black humor is good. This humor style is extremely genuine, though
controversial, it offers many benefits to those who enjoy it’s wonders. These
and fulfillment. Not only does this humor style help those with Post Traumatic
Stress disorder, it has been proven to be a significant step in overcoming fears
Sohan 9
Work Cited