The Trouble with Jokes: Humour and Offensiveness in Contemporary Culture and Politics

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Nick Butler (Stockholm University Business School, Sweden)

The Trouble with Jokes

Humour and Offensiveness in Contemporary Culture and Politics

Nick Butler (Stockholm University Business School, Sweden)

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Hardback

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English

Bristol University Press
18 December 2023

Social discrimination; Political correctness; Sociology; Political campaigning & advertising; Humour

Exploring the relationship between humour and offensiveness, this book delves into offensive jokes, their impact, and the dark side of laughter. It blends cultural analysis, politics, and philosophy to offer an antidote to positive thinking and guide readers through offensive humour.

We're accustomed to seeing humour as a diversion from the serious side of life, but humour also permeates some of the most troubling political developments in recent years. From the resurgence of white nationalism to the erosion of democratic norms, jokes force-feed us objectionable ideologies while we gasp and splutter at all the side-splitting shenanigans.

This book explores the relationship between humour and offensiveness in contemporary society. Drawing on examples from philosophical thinkers and popular culture, it invites readers to consider the dark side of humour.

Weaving together cultural analysis, political discussion and philosophical reflection, the book provides an antidote to positive thinking about laughter and a roadmap for navigating different types of offensive humour.

By: Nick Butler (Stockholm University Business School Sweden)
Imprint: Bristol University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781529232523
ISBN 10: 152923252X
Pages: 186
Publication Date: 18 December 2023
Audience: Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Undergraduate , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction 1. Content Warning 2. Laugh Track 3. Prankster Diplomacy 4. Evil Clowns 5. Body Double 6. Gender Reveal Conclusion

Nick Butler is Associate Professor in Organization Studies at Stockholm University, Sweden.

Reviews for The Trouble with Jokes: Humour and Offensiveness in Contemporary Culture and Politics

“Butler's provocative work challenges the widespread assumption that humour is naturally a progressive force for good. In doing so, he provides a key frame for understanding the appeal of far-right cultural forces and how we might combat them."" Matt Sienkiewicz and Nick Marx, co-authors of That's Not Funny: How the Right Makes Comedy Work for Them