Humor

I love to laugh and am made to laugh very easily. I find humor in most things and I think this really helps me succeed in school, work, and in my personal relationships. "Laughter is an altered state, a massive response on th level of physiological reflexes, but serving no apparent biological purpose" (Pg. 112).

Isn't neat how so many people find the same things humorous? For instance, millions of people around the world watch the Dave Chappelle show, and if I am not mistaken, he has been recognized as the number one comedian in the world. Everyone has different interests, likes, and dislikes, and life experiences. But, find humor in the same things. This really intrigues me!

Our book notes that laughter can deflate emotions, such as anger, anxiety, or pride. I remember learning in a Popular Culture class about Walt Disney. Walt Disney really thrived and was successful during the Great Depression. People had next to nothing, and for the most part, all they really had was laughter. Therefore they found humor in Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, etc. Walt Disney often portrayed his characters as being "down on their luck," not being able to make rent, and going to different lengths to outwit and outsmart their landlord.
People could really relate to this and having laughter in their lives, helped them get through this terrible period. I also think it is nice that out book used the word deflate, instead of mask or cover up. Deflate makes me think of laughter as a way to ease the situation or lighten the mood. I also think that I enjoy laughing so much because I grew up in a home where my parents always laughed and joked with each other.

I think laughing in contagious and is a universally accepted altered state. I hope to pass my laughter along.