Humor as an Aggressive Communication

Sample

It is easy to recall those moments when hearing a funny joke or listening to an entertaining anecdote had us doubled over in hysterical laughter, a red face and wide smile presenting clear evidence of our amusement. Equally as memorable, however, are instances when a joke or comment has made us uncomfortable or even offended us. Amusement is replaced by embarrassment, and we are left feeling stung by a humorous remark. The paradoxical nature of humor is evident in our everyday interactions. Humor serves as a social tool that fosters positive feelings and encourages a sense of kinship, yet, it can also act as a demonstration of aggression. Just as the benefits of positive humor for individuals and their relationships are numerous, so, too, are the negative effects of aggressive humor. This chapter considers humor as a form of aggressive expression. The distinction between positive and negative forms of humor are reviewed, and three models that conceptualize humor are presented. Finally, the Model of Aggressive Communication is examined and a communication perspective for understanding aggressive humor is discussed.