A theory of humor

[campbell]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...t+Science+News)

What makes something funny? Philosophers have been tossing that question around since Plato. Now two psychological scientists think they've come up with the formula: humor comes from a violation or threat to the way the world ought to be that is, at the same time, benign.
.....

"We laugh when Moe hits Larry because we know that Larry's not really being hurt," says McGraw, referring to humorous slapstick. "It's a violation of social norms. You don't hit people, especially a friend. But it's okay because it's not real." He points out a recent example, an internet video of a chain-smoking Indonesian toddler. "When I was first told about that, I laughed, because it seems unreal—what parent would let their kids smoke cigarettes? The fact that the situation seemed unbelievable made it benign. Then when I saw the video of this kid smoking, it was no longer possible to laugh about it."

I'm glad I'm given permission to laugh at the Three Stooges. I was worried for a moment.

And Listeria? I think I see why people have been coming after your current avatar....

[Buru Buru]

people on the ao laugh at meanness. this proves that they have a crappy sense of humor.

[Listeria]

Originally Posted by campbell

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...t+Science+News)



I'm glad I'm given permission to laugh at the Three Stooges. I was worried for a moment.

And Listeria? I think I see why people have been coming after your current avatar....

Not when you consider that their biggest complaint was that I refused to put the lit end in the baby's mouth anymore.

[Hero3128]

Can I have permission to laugh at Larry the Cable Guy?

[Listeria]

Originally Posted by Buru Buru

people on the ao laugh at meanness. this proves that they have a crappy sense of humor.

I really think there are different kinds of humor. I can't square that with the snippet campbell quoted, but maybe there is more in the article.

[DyalDragon]

:somethinghumorous:

[Buru Buru]

Originally Posted by DyalDragon

i can haz permission to laugh at ppl who talk to themselfs?


kthxbai...

lolcats are pretty much the most unfunny creations ever.

if you meant me talking to my alts, of course, i'm freaking hilarious.

[DyalDragon]

[Buru Buru]

Originally Posted by DyalDragon

i'm laughing "AT" you, not "WITH" you... there's a difference

you're quickly becoming the most annoying person on the ao. bug off.

[Buru Buru]

Originally Posted by DyalDragon

i'm laughing "AT" you, not "WITH" you... there's a difference

and you're still unfunny with lolcats. try to be a little more original next time. you also obviously used an lolcat translator rendering it even less funny.