The Hunting of the Snark: Why Some Jokes Are More Cruel Than Funny

"I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather… not screaming in terror like his passengers.

—Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

What is humor? Comedian Steve Allen famously said "tragedy + time = comedy."

There is something in humans that makes us want to laugh when confronted with others' suffering. Hence, "gallows humor," dead baby jokes, and the common fear of laughing at funerals.

There are many theories about what makes something funny; here are four:

1. Superiority: Feeling a sense of triumph or relief at someone else's weakness or misfortune. (More on this below.)

   
   

2. Incongruity: When a joke brings something unexpected, like:

I bought shoes from a drug dealer once. I don’t know what he laced them with, but I was tripping all day.

3. Relief: When laughing about taboo subjects relieves psychological tension:

   
   

   In one of the most awkward early episodes of The Office, self-proclaimed “World’s Best Boss” Michael Scott takes over “Diversity Day” after corporate sends a consultant to address his offensive Chris Rock impression. Believing himself better suited to the task, Michael insists on running his own session. He hands out index cards labeled with different ethnicities and compels employees to act out stereotypes, with predictably painful results.

The Office, Season 1, Episode 2: "Diversity Day" Guess which one is boss Michael Scott?

4. Benign violation theory: Dark humor is an example:

My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll see about that.

Puns are another example. They "violate" the rules of language, but in a way that doesn't hurt anyone (though people's groans might suggest otherwise):

The mushroom was invited to every party because he was a real fungi.

I love puns, but ugh.

Unsurprisingly, American culture has a uniquely violent streak when it comes to jokes

Theory 1, Superiority, seems the most prevalent in popular culture, which trickles down into our friends and families' own mouths. How often do you notice a snarky comment or barbed joke that stings more than you're willing to admit? Would you be called too sensitive if you confessed your hurt? Do you find it easier to laugh at yourself before someone else does, by making your own self the butt of your jokes? Don't do that; it only encourages others to do it to you as well (talking to you, Lynnette).

Next time you watch an American comedy, notice how often the jokes are based on putting others down, and consider whether this has influenced you. If yes, what can you do to build others up instead? Awareness is the first step to bringing more light to this dark world by hunting down the snark and eliminating it from your and your loved ones' lives.

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"It's no wonder I broke, let's hear one more joke."

—Taylor Swift, Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOZFiX6hDXQ