The fear of laughter is archaic
This fear is deeply rooted in human history. Behavioral scientists are convinced that laughter was present at the beginning of human communication – prehistoric humans laughed before they could speak.
Psychologist and laughter researcher Michael Titze explains how a funny laugh hundreds of thousands of years ago could also turn into a threat: «Laughter created a feeling of closeness, solidarity and well-being within the reference group. But as soon as two clans met, for example because they were fighting over a hunting ground, the laughter of the others could also mean 'we have been defeated, they dominate and we are being laughed at.' This being laughed at is something quite archaic – and every politician is afraid of it.»
To laugh or not to laugh?
Even in ancient times, laughter was politicized. The Greek philosopher Plato, for example, was of the opinion that laughter was a threat to the state; he thought those who indulged in laughter were no longer able to think rationally and would lose power. His pupil Aristotle, on the other hand, loved to laugh and believed that laughter distinguished humans from animals.
Perhaps world history would have been different if Aristotle had been followed.
Laughter in different regions of the world
An age-old fear of losing power through merriment – experts call this fear of being laughed at «gelotophobia» – still lingers in many people's minds, though this varies greatly across the world.
A multinational study in 73 countries commissioned by the University of Zürich in 2009 found that in certain cultures, such as in the Middle East or Asia, where great importance is attached to honor and saving face, laughter can be perceived very differently.
«Being ridiculed or laughed at can lead to unbelievable reactions, it can even trigger wars,» says psychologist and laughter researcher Michael Titze. «That's why laughter as such is very ambiguous.»
Humor is genetic
Back to Kamala Harris: According to Titze, she can simply laugh away the negative aspects of other people's laughter: «She is criticized and then starts laughing heartily in a way that weakens her opponents,» he says.
Kamala Harris' cheerful manner is also a form of communication. «Along the lines of: 'Look how I do it, and if you want, come to me and we'll do the rest together',» he adds.
When someone – like Harris – laughs out loud, the brain releases neurotransmitters that make you feel good. It's not for nothing that the saying goes: «Laughter is the best medicine.» Cheerful people are attractive.
Titze makes it clear, however, that laughter is genetic: «You can't learn humor, you can't play it or force it, because then it seems cramped. The individual potential to develop humor is innate.» |
