Reflections on jokes and cartoons about suicide
1Psychology Program, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Galloway, New Jersey 08205-9441, USA. lesterd@stockton.edu
Death Studies
|February 25, 2014
Summary
This study explores suicide jokes, finding humor in political cartoons about suicide bombers but hostility towards ordinary suicidal individuals. It examines humor types and their appropriateness in different contexts.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Media Studies
Background:
- Jokes about suicide are prevalent but their role and meaning are debated.
- Understanding the nuances of humor in sensitive topics is crucial for social commentary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the types of humor used in jokes and political cartoons about suicide.
- To explore the appropriateness and impact of such humor across different contexts.
Main Methods:
- Content analysis of 118 recent political cartoons from an online source.
- Categorization of humor types (disparagement, incongruity, repression, ridiculousness) in suicide-related jokes and cartoons.
Main Results:
- 73 of the analyzed cartoons depicted suicide bombers, often employing specific humor types.
- Jokes and cartoons addressing suicidal terrorism were sometimes deemed appropriate.
- Cartoons and jokes about ordinary suicidal individuals frequently exhibited hostility.
Conclusions:
- The context of suicide is critical in determining the appropriateness of humor.
- Humor in political cartoons can be a tool for commentary, but risks trivializing or stigmatizing sensitive issues.
- Further dialogue is needed on the ethical implications of suicide-related humor in media.
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