"We hypothesize that humor is elicited by benign violations and show that moral violations that simultaneously seem benign elicit laughter and amusement in addition to disgust."
Humor gives us a chance to get away saying things that should definitely not be said. In our conscious, we are able to filter what comes out of our mouths. The lack of filter possessed by our leading character Jerry is what makes him so appealing. Inconsiderate, judgemental, and plainly rude statements and actions have the ability to be funny, following the Incongruity Theory and Benign's Violation Theory.
Being mean does not guarantee laughter though. An unspoken line exists that separates what is acceptable and what is a step too far.
Awesome post! I loved that you brought in benign violation theory and discussed relief theory in terms of the conscious filter. Perhaps people enjoy the humor in Seinfeld because they are saying what our filter blocks us from saying. Although they're considered awful and judgmental, we feel an unconscious connection to them because they've established a way to express the benign violation we're thinking in a way that's acceptable.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to thing of Seinfeld as being mean and crude. I wonder if that's exactly what is happening in the show. Is it crude, or is it just cold?
ReplyDeletei wouldn't necessarily say that he's being purposefully mean. Seinfeld will just say it how he sees it. Does it come off mean/really is mean a lot of times? Yes. Is it intended meaness? Not really. It could be more seen as he believes he knows everything in a sense, about how society should act and thus the world.
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