What is dark humour?-and why are we drawn to it in fiction?
Humour is a situation, words or actions that make us laugh; when humour is dark, it is related to things that are serious or unpleasant. From Monty python to Dorothy Parker, and even Shakespeare, dark humour and satire has entertained the best of us. But given that darker humour teeters on the edge of social acceptability, why do we find it so irresistible?
Psychologists and academics alike have pondered this enigma. They generally agree that it has something to do with coping strategies. Take this quote by Sigmund Freud:
‘’The ego refuses to be distressed by the provocations of reality, to let itself be compelled to suffer. It insists that it cannot be affected by the traumas of the external world; it shows, in fact, that such traumas are no more than occasions for it to gain pleasure’’-Sigmund Freud
-Or in layman’s terms ‘If I didn’t laugh I would cry!’
The idea of surmounting evil with humour, in some way dissipates the awfulness and pain of a situation. That although we may be pushed this way and that by circumstance, we are still hanging on in the face of hopelessness-a case in point being the plethora of Coronavirus jokes on social media…..
In fact, a study published in the 2017 journal ‘Cognitive Processing’ suggests that not only are those who appreciate dark humour able to cope with negative emotions more effectively, but they also have a higher IQ. (The Guardian, 28th Jan, Jamie Doward). Furthermore, there seems to be a link between dark humour and low aggression. The suggestion is that appreciating dark humour is a complex information-processing task, in which high aggression levels and negative mood could cloud an individual’s ability to get the joke. This is contrary to previous implication that only grumpy people enjoy darker humour.
It does indeed seem that dark humour is good for us. So dismiss your doubts, stop feeling guilty, and dive in head first with a dark humour read!
With its acerbic narrative perspective, dark humour, and even its absurdity it’s hard to deny the ever-present element of plausibility in Tales of American Idiocy that makes it quite terrifying and at the very least a damning indictment of America’s political players and society itself.
We work with both traditionally published and “indie” authors who have self or independently published books and our mission is simple. It’s to discover new and talented authors and help them give their work the attention and awareness it deserves. We do this by providing professional and credible reviews which are respected by our readers. Our primary focus is on fiction across all genres, non – fiction with broad appeal and selected poetry.
A bracing Science Fiction Adventure Aian D. Grey introduces us to a near future where the chaotic effects of climate change have taken their toll on the planet with dire ecological consequences.
A wonderfully disarming read about love and loss Daisy Roberts is Dead refreshingly avoids many of the genre’s syrupy dangers leaving the reader with the truth of the matter. Which is the way it should be.
A vividly imagined novel with an emotionally gripping core and a crafty plot Blender’s Story proves a smashing start to Beth Schluter’s Servants of the Wheel. A series that’s sure to find popular appeal amongst fans of Dark Fantasy and Heroic Sword and Sorcery.
A rousing Black & African American Historical novel that is true to the genre’s traditional power, gender and cultural dynamics. The Missing Puzzle Piece is the fourth release in Abston’s series and another superb read.
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