Social networks and chats are full of jokes and memes on the topic of the day. They amuse some people, annoy others. Someone generally considers it inappropriate to joke in the midst of a pandemic. And for someone, on the contrary, laughter and humor become salvation in the flow of bad news. Where is the line between “useful” and “harmful” jokes?
In the context of the pandemic, many have increased anxiety and tension. The number of rumors and myths is growing, and even citizens who are resistant to them, no, no, yes, will doubt: what if it’s true? Reactions escalated: feelings for each other became brighter – from irritation to a sense of unity. And, of course, any crisis is an excellent breeding ground for wit.
“We often receive two types of messages: disturbing and irritable and funny. The first increase the tension. The second – contribute to its reduction, – explains Denis Naumov, a clinical psychologist specializing in transactional analysis. – Hard times, critical periods activate creativity. Remember the number of songs about the Great Patriotic War. There is no other period of Soviet history about which so much has been filmed and sung.
Now we have witnessed an incredible amount of jokes about the coronavirus. The feeling that everyone is specially isolated at home to compose memes. Reaction – to respond with humor to stress – is quite normal. This is our natural defense, and nature will not advise bad.
Humor, according to the psychologist, helps to cope with fear. But it can also mean the denial of fear.
“We tend to bring natural ideas to the point of absurdity. Against the backdrop of the general ridicule of the pandemic and quarantine, many allow themselves to generally not take the situation seriously,” continues Denis Naumov. “Including this, barbecue gatherings of the first “non-working” week of April are due to this.”
In general, jokes about COVID-19 can be classified as black humor. And in relation to black humor, the psychologist believes, people are divided into two camps: those who consider it inappropriate, and those who believe that the pandemic is a great reason for jokes, especially when it’s not very funny around.
We cannot change society, black humor has existed and will always exist, it is part of our collective consciousness
“There is such a term – “the laughter of the gallows” or “hanging humor”. It has been known for a long time, since ancient times. Sigmund Freud wrote about him in his work “Humor,” explains Denis Naumov. – It has been widely used in transactional analysis since the days of Eric Berne. Including as a diagnostic tool.
It has been observed that those sentenced to death by hanging often have a desire to joke. The gallows replace the fear of death with humor in the last seconds of life. An example of the English serial killer William Palmer illustrates this perfectly: during the execution, he looked at the hatch in the platform of his gallows and asked the executioner: “Are you sure it’s safe?” In psychotherapy, this is also called “pathological humor” – laughing at yourself in those moments where it would be natural to cry or be sad.
It intensifies when there is a feeling of hopelessness, the impossibility of changing the future. The man seems to be making fun of himself. A typical example is an alcoholic who laughs about what he did when he was drunk. Such laughter becomes a defense against looking inward, the psychologist explains, an armor against a collision with pain and fear.
Perhaps there really is no other option on the steps of the gallows. However, in the current situation, it is important to remember the feelings of other people. And about my own.
“If you notice that this kind of humor has become too much around you, ask yourself – what is it protecting you from? What will happen to you if you admit to yourself “unpleasant” feelings? Denis Naumov says If you’re particularly sensitive to jokes like this, it’s time for you to express your fears. Write them down on paper or tell someone who will listen to you without laughing and without devaluing your fortune.
We cannot change society, black humor has existed and will always exist, it is a part of our collective consciousness, the psychologist is convinced, and the attitude towards illness and death is highly dependent on culture, both personal and social.
“Death should be respected, but not necessarily feared. So joke in moderation, Denis Naumov recommends. – Where you really need to cry and worry – cry. Discuss this with loved ones. Ask how they feel. Where you want to laugh, laugh. Support each other.
Other topics can become the object of your humor. For example, the now fashionable public on Facebook “Izoizolyatsiya” helped users of the social network to direct their creativity to recreate the paintings of great artists at home. The main thing is to avoid extremes and be attentive and respectful of your emotional manifestations.