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Pie · 09-08-2007, 10:06 AM

I've heard that scientist define part of humor as the whipsawing of the mind -- when you expect one thing and get another. The more unexpected, the greater the humor. Thus the "brown and sticky" joke. That does mean that the "cruelty" is towards the listener, in as much as they got jerked around. But they're laughing; they must like it. It's the mental equivalent to the rollercoaster.

Therefore, discussing humor in the context of cruelty must include the quality of the response to the joke. It's only cruel if someone found it offensive or unethical or hurtful.

:. Know your audience.

09-08-2007, 10:06 AM	#35
Pie Gone and done Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 4,808	I've heard that scientist define part of humor as the whipsawing of the mind -- when you expect one thing and get another. The more unexpected, the greater the humor. Thus the "brown and sticky" joke. That does mean that the "cruelty" is towards the listener, in as much as they got jerked around. But they're laughing; they must like it. It's the mental equivalent to the rollercoaster. Therefore, discussing humor in the context of cruelty must include the quality of the response to the joke. It's only cruel if someone found it offensive or unethical or hurtful. :. Know your audience. __________________ per·son \ˈpər-sən\ (noun) - an ephemeral collection of small, irrational decisions The fun thing about evolution (and science in general) is that it happens whether you believe in it or not.