Would you laugh in these circumstances?

Question

I am trying to understand why people laugh at others misfortune?
and I was thinking most people would laugh if they saw someone trip or bump themselves or make a complete fool of themselves but would you laugh if this happend to someone you deeply respected? I answered no which made me think that maybe I feel superior to others when I laugh at them.And that is why I wouldn't laugh at someone I respected(unless they laughed at themselves first,but then I am laughing with them) Is this true for you?What do you think of my conclusion?

Answer 1

I can't help myself from laughing when people get hurt, whether I know them or not. I know it's horrible, and I wish I didn't, but it's uncontrollable, almost as if my body forces me to. D:

Answer 2

I think your reasoning does not take into consideration all of the myriad of variables that could impact what you were seeing when someone was experiencing some brand of misfortune~! For example; If an arrogant SOB tripped over a rake while holding forth on how "good" they were, you would laugh because of the "poetic justice" nature of the mishap. If your mother did the same, you would probably rush to her side to make sure she was OK, not a sign of laughter anywhere in your bieng. If a favorite and sympathetic friend were to get clocked by a unexpected door opening in their face, you would definitely NOT think it was funny. If the same exact thing happened to a Dick Van Dyke -type person, you would be rolling over in the aisles with laughter, in all likelyhood. In all of the preceeding scenarios, there isn't a single trace of a feeling of superiority. Most of the time, I think we might laugh, IF we laughed, from embarrasment or uncertainty of just what to do exactly, when something like this happens in front of us. Basically, we would always have concern for the well-being of whomever just got hurt.

Answer 3

Well, there's that show, America's Funniest Home Videos, that shows people making complete fool's of themselves all the time! Laughter is a way to relieve stress, and by laughing with someone that bumps into a wall or something, it's a way to show that what they did isn't a big deal, that it's alright to laugh and get on with life.
Some people also laugh when they're nervous, which is another way to relieve stress.

Answer 4

Its a very interesting conclusion, I'll give you that.
I wouldn't laugh at any one person if they made a fool of themselves whether I deeply respected them or not. Now, I would how ever giggle if any one person bumped themselves or tripped. Its lighthearted, no damage done. Now if it completely destroyed them and they ran of stage or out of the room crying, I would most likely feel bad. I don't like for people to feel embarrassed. I'm the type of person who sometimes worries when I am watching a live TV show like an awards show, pageant or just the preacher at church, hoping they don't mess up. lol

Answer 5

Probably because they don't know how else to react. They may be embarrassed for the other person, or feel uncomfortable with what happened so they might think "Oh hell, this is awkward just laugh it off". Your conclusion is neither right nor wrong as it is your opinion. For some people it is about I guess being superior, as you said, although i think for some it is a matter of a awkward situation and feeling uncomfortable.

Well that's my conclusion =]

Answer 6

It's only funny until someone gets hurt.....



then it's hilarious

:D

Actually, your conclusion makes sense, but I think life is boring unless you laugh...even if it's someone you respect. Unless it's a serious injury.

Answer 7

I would laugh...no question about it! People need to laugh more and they usually do if they see another's happiness. If they don't they are more likely stressful people that I probably don't want to deal with anyway!

Answer 8

He who laughs alone has nothing to laugh about

Answer 9

i respect ppl and i tend to laugh at them more than others just cus i can

Answer 10

feel good when we laugh