Nick Butler, "The Trouble with Jokes: Humour and Offensiveness in Contemporary Culture and Politics" (Policy Press, 2023)
New Books in Sociology
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The Dark Side of Comedy in Politics
This chapter delves into the speaker's exploration of humor and its entwined relationship with political discourse, sparked by experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It examines how humor—especially the offensive kind—can influence public perception and societal values, particularly in the context of significant political events like the 2016 U.S. election and Brexit. The discussion also highlights the cultural nuances of humor across different societies, raising questions about its impact on political climates and the risks associated with taboo-breaking jokes.
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Transcript
