Comedic Misunderstandings explores the often-overlooked dark side of humor, examining historical instances where jokes, satire, and comedic performances have been misconstrued, leading to unintended social consequences.
It tackles the complexities of cross-cultural communication, revealing how a joke intended to unite can, instead, spark diplomatic crises or social unrest.
The book highlights that a joke's success hinges on external factors like social norms and political climate, emphasizing that comedic intent doesn't guarantee comedic reception.
The book uniquely emphasizes the potential pitfalls of humor rather than its positive aspects. It begins by introducing comedic theory, then progresses through case studies organized chronologically and thematically, illustrating how seemingly innocuous jokes have been misinterpreted in political satire, stand-up comedy, and online platforms.
By exploring the historical evolution of comedic interpretation, the book provides a framework for mitigating misinterpretations in various fields, from diplomacy to education, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate the complex landscape of humor.
