October 13, 2006

The Decline of Humor

"The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter."
- Mark Twain (1835-1910)
President Musharraf’s appearance on US political comedian Jon Stewart’s ‘Daily Show’ underlined the significance of humor. In old Punjab, humor was an important social lubricant. The monotony of wedding functions was sometimes broken by the Bhand with his inimitable brand of presenting political humor. In Punjabi movies of yore, both the hero and the villain were often paired off with comical sidekicks. Punjabi music was noted for its rhyme and humor.
The capacity for humor was the strength of Punjab; its decline now is among its weaknesses. Even on supposedly joyous occasions, there is a sea of unsmiling sullen faces with glum expressions waiting to pounce on comestibles.
Politicians, too, day in and day out meet the same people during breakfast, lunch and dinner often with the same conversation. They find themselves unable to switch-off. This invariably takes its toll on health, mental make-up and imagination. Politicians fear political cartoonists more than political columnists because of the visual impact on the human imagination. Humor, especially in the shape of political satire, is a way of coping with the pain of politics and identifying with its ironies. The BBC TV serials ‘Yes Minister’ and ‘Yes Prime Minister’ were a case in point.
Humor is essential to politicians for connecting with the people. Former US President, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, went further, concluding that having “a sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”
Many a serious lecture or discourse has been refreshed by a well-timed joke or two. A witty remark breaks the pattern of predictability and shared laughter facilitates the bonds of friendship.
Mirth is also effective in coping with difficulties and put matters in their true perspective and proportion. Pivotal to any formula for living would be the capacity to embrace humor. Celebrated Irish playwright Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) once quipped: “Imagination is a quality given to man to compensate him for what he is not, and a sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is.”
Humor is a proven tension reliever and an ice-breaker. It is central to the zest for living and, perhaps, to good health. The BBC reported last year on a scientific study of the effects of laughter and of stress on the heart. Researchers observed that laughter increased blood flow to the heart, while stress reduced it, and suggested that 15 minutes of laughter a day actually may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Obscenity is not humor. Neither is sarcasm – perhaps the lowest form of humor. What hurts is not humor. Humor which is tinged with malice is not humor. Humor is effective when it is relevant and when it connects with reality.
A study of women who were divorced indicated that if they had to remarry they would pick a sense of humor as the most important attribute of their mate, ahead even of money, rank and power.
Important in the art of living may be the ability not to treat light subjects seriously. Once in a while, however, it may be useful to treat serious matters lightly.