what is a good psychological explanation....
2006-09-13 08:28:33 · 28 answers · asked by minneapolis16 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Perhaps stress, an inappropriate response may help us deal with the situation. Perhaps because we are just happy that it wasn't us or maybe because the person had it coming to them.
2006-09-13 08:31:39 · answer #1 · answered by Peace2All 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fear and humor and tightly linked. Think of horror movies. There is suspense as the person approaches the door. The music swells, the door is opened, and it's just a pigeon... we laugh.
We do not laugh at people getting hurt. We laugh at things that can hurt them (e.g. slipping on a banana peel, The Three Stooges), but it's funnier if they are not hurt. We can all relate to their plight. The Law of Universal Gravitation is a common experience.
2006-09-13 08:44:41 · answer #2 · answered by novangelis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because its tragic, and all comedic events require some sort of tragedy. The reason humans think it's funny is because it hurts. And laughing is the automatic cure to pain. Check out a book by Robert Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land.
2006-09-13 08:42:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
we will laugh because some accidents might not seem that harmful. Almost cartoon-like. When Wiley Coyotte falls off a cliff we laugh because he's always trying to get the roadrunner. He had it coming to himself.
Laughing is another reaction to dealing with tragedy. Ever meet someone who had something bad happen to them and while they talk about it they crack a smile? It isn't intended but possibly the mind and body's way of dealing with adverse conditions and trying to heal itself emotionally.
2006-09-13 08:47:52 · answer #4 · answered by viewAskew 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes the way in which they get hurt is funny. I know that I have not laughed because I was unfeeling but I have laughed first and then come to their aid and been concerned. I think that things that are funny strike your emotions first and then the serious feelings come after.
2006-09-13 08:39:44 · answer #5 · answered by rltouhe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea. That show America's Funniest Home Videos boggles me. I don't understand why half those videos are people getting hurt and how on earth it's funny. I am not very good at laughing at someone else's misfortune.
2006-09-13 08:36:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Philosopher John Morreall theorises that human laughter may have its biological origins as a kind of shared expression of relief at the passing of danger."
I have included a link to a similar question in Yahoo Answers
A side note, the German word schadenfreude is defined as "A malicious satisfaction in the misfortunes of others." There is no english equivalent.
2006-09-13 08:57:12 · answer #7 · answered by AnswerNinja 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a coping skill. People laugh when they are nervous. In other cases it's because we are socialized and it's our nature that someone getting hurt is funny. Punch yourself in front of a baby and laughter will follow, I promise.
2006-09-13 08:37:14 · answer #8 · answered by Bridget 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well some people think watching others get hurt is fun. Well their minds are not aware on how much pain the guy has felt...all they see is the guy falling....some people who laugh trying to stay with the crowd and others think its funny to watch people suffer pain lol
Uh i dont think i answered it but well i tried
Roxassnake16@yahoo.com
2006-09-13 08:32:03 · answer #9 · answered by roxassnake16 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because some mothers have children like that.
Laughter is when the unexpected occurs and the more unexpected, the funnier it is. We need to laugh just to acknowledge the absurdity of the situation.
2006-09-13 08:29:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋