Humor and its Essence (Essay Sample)

Name
Instructors Name
Course
Date
Understanding Humor and its Essence
The Research Question
The need to understand the essence of humor prompts thorough research on the topic. Laughter is a vital part of life that most people take for granted. This implies that understanding the implications of humor on people's lives requires much effort. Therefore, it is imperative to appreciate humor as a necessary part of human existence.
Aims of the Research
The research hopes to unravel the mystery that prompts writers to focus on humor writings. Furthermore, it hopes to explore the different types of humors as brought out by various scholars under scrutiny in this context. Focus will be on some humorous scholarly articles written by various authors. These authors are professional in their areas of specialization and this gives them credibility. This research hopes to show humor as one of the factors that bind people from all diversities of life. It knows no creed, race or religion.
This research brings in the need to understand the several dimensions of humor. Strangers laugh at a similar joke whenever they hear it without minding about the origin of the joke. Furthermore, readers enjoy a humorous work of art even without caring about the background of the author. This raises the question of what makes laughter and humor necessary and unique to human beings.
Research Method
The source of data in this investigation is secondary specifically some scholarly books and articles. The focus in this context is on Arthur Berger's An Anatomy of Humor and Mary Roach's Stiff: the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers. Other literary works under scrutiny include Jim Hodgson's article How to be Slow on a Mountain Bike, David Leonhardt's article Improving Self Esteem and Body Image from his book Climb Your Stairway to Heaven. Moreover, focus will also be on Susan Fiske's The Impact of Power on Stereotyping. Theses authors all share a common aspect that they are humor writers on a mission to pass on certain information to the readers. They communicate the best way they know how by incorporating humor into their work of art.
I will hence read these texts and notice the way they bring out humor and the impact on the reader. Focus will also be on the different types of humor as brought out by the various scholars. The question to answer will be how this humor applies in the life of the reader. This accrues from the fact that literary works act as the mirror of the society as asserted by William Faulkner.
Berger in An Anatomy of Humor brings to light the importance of humor in everyday life. He appreciates the fact that humor permeates the lives of people at all stages and levels of life. The types of jokes that people enjoy helps define their identity and purpose in life. Berger's focus on gender, ethnicity, race and politics accrues from the fact that these are the basis for human existence (Berger 6). He unearths several myths associated with humor and laughter. This is the first step towards appreciating the role of humor in people's well being.
The fact that people from all levels of life enjoy jokes and humor shows the universal nature of humor. In fact, research shows that most people fancy having funny and comical people around them. This acts as a reminder of the beauty of life, which is sharing a good laugh and dismissing sorrows and tensions that occur along the journey of life.
From her introduction in Stiff, it is obvious that Roach intends to incorporate humor in a subject that many take seriously. She analyzes the issue of cadavers and death through incorporation of humor. Roach asserts," The way I see it, being dead is not terribly far off from being on a cruise ship. Most of your time is spent lying on your back... (Roach 1)”This emphasizes the fact that humor has another dimension such that even in death it continues to exist. Therefore, humor enables people to embrace all stages of life without fear. Death as part of life is inevitable. In this context, Roach tries to demystify death without making it lose its dignity.
Humor and jokes are applicable in everyday life. They help reduce tension and people are able to embrace whatever comes along including death as depicted by Roach in Stiff. This acts to show why people embrace jokes and laughter in their life. It is the reason people take the time to read or even watch humorous materials that are by standard deemed scary.
As a fitness guru and humor writer, Jim Hodgson in his article How to be Slow on a Mountain Bike brings to light how to perfect bike riding as an exercise without getting hurt. For instance, he asserts, "I'll bring you craft beer when you can't move due to broken everything… (Hodgson 7)" He incorporates humor in his work and this shows that humor is essential for people even while undertaking everyday chores. Even when tired humor acts as an energizer and shows that, nothing comes easy.
David Leonhardt is a motivational writer who incorporates humor to educate people on various issues affecting them. His article Improving Self esteem and Body Image from his book Climb Your Stairway to Heaven: The 9 Habits of Maximum Happiness depicts the value of humor through the journey of self acceptance. He does this uniquely through an illustration of the Tiger and the Three Pigs (Leonhardt 16). In a world where people struggle with issues of self-esteem, this article is quite refreshing. It shows the need for people to accept themselves the way they are so that others can respect and take them as they are with all their flaws.
This article by Leonhardt helps to show how humor, when incorporated in everyday life of people, changes their understanding of life. When people do not take everything seriously, they lead healthier lives and this boosts their confidence.
Susan Fiske conducted a research and wrote an article The Impact of Power on Stereotyping. She tries to explain what motivates people to behave like situation deems fit. This article is useful to determine the essence of humor in individuals' lives. She brings to light the fact that stereotyping is not always unconstructive as it can assist people to embrace their diversities. According to Fiske, stereotyping evokes ...