[Jim-R30690]

It seems to me that the great majority of humor depends on someone’s misfortune. Jokes seem to be, without exceptions I know of, in need of a ‘fall guy.’ Is there a sociological history for this, or is it just a way to show relief at not being the poor unfortunate who slips on the banana peel?
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Name : Jim-R30690, Gender : M, City : Waddington, State : NY, Country : United States, 

[Rick]

I’ve often wondered this myself. I’ve only met one other person who truly found no humor in someone elses misfortune. Those home videos where we are supposed to laugh when a man falls off a ladder, or some other potentially dangerous situation, poignantly points out our diminished capacity for compassion and empathy. More people need to stand up and challenge the brutes.

User Detail :  

Name : Rick, City : Ithaca, State : NY, Country : United States, 

[Nicodemus Smith]

Humor, as I understand, is a means to producing the effect of laughter. Laughter is a natural human response to a situation of large or extreme surprise. Funny jokes don’t have to use a ‘fall-guy’. But I can’t think of one.

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Name : Nicodemus Smith, Gender : M, City : Sugar Land, State : TX, Country : United States, 

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