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> Sure, the stories are parodies and written in an exaggerated manner, but the underlying humor seems to be saying “Isn’t this what we all really think? Isn’t t

> Sure, the stories are parodies and written in an exaggerated manner, but the underlying humor seems to be saying “Isn’t this what we all really think? Isn’t this how we would all wish we could behave?”, which is an attitude I find deplorable. No? Not everyone sees all types of humorous behavior as something to aspire to. Did people always look at Chaplin's antics as the fool and think "that's funny, I should act the same way"? Do people look at asshole comedians because that's how they wish they were? I think it's more accurate to say that people find extreme behavior funny because we have urges sometimes to act the same, and while we recognize that's not a good way to act, it can be cathartic to see someone unrestrained by social norms in a fictional setting where nobody is actually hurt or upset. I'll be the first to condemn someone for harmful behaviors to others without cause, but fiction is another thing entirely. Even if I didn't find this type of fiction humorous, I would be very careful not to ascribe motivations and idea about those that do. People have many reasons for enjoying stories, and they may be entirely alien to your own way of thinking, so generally I find it's best to deal with the individual (if needed) and not the source.

teddyh 5y ago
> I think it's more accurate to say that people find extreme behavior funny because we have urges sometimes to act the same, and while we recognize that's not a good way to act, it can be cathartic to see someone unrestrained by social norms in a fictional setting where nobody is actually hurt or upset. This is exactly the attitude which I called “deplorable”. I dont’t feel that urge, as I explained in my linked comments.
- kbenson 5y ago
  >> I’ve actually come to despise them and the attitude they symbolize. The issue is, they don't necessarily symbolize an attitude. That's an assumption on your part, and in my opinion, and erroneous one. These stories let people see urges they have played out in a fictional setting, and explore how it might play out. This can relieve the pressure people might feel to actually act in these ways, because they get some outlet, while also seeing how the behavior is problematic in real life. It's fine that you don't like this fiction, but when you start projecting your own interpretations of what the fiction means or symbolizes, you are projecting your own interpretation and judgement onto others who may consume that fiction in an entirely different way. It doesn't symbolize what you say it does, it at most makes you feel something about it. To others it makes them feel something different. In neither case does it necessarily make someone act or think more in line with how the main character does. We can ask people to act a certain way within society, but once we start demonizing urges people may have and not act on, and fiction that appeals to those people, I think we've gone too far.

teddyh 5y ago

> I think it's more accurate to say that people find extreme behavior funny because we have urges sometimes to act the same, and while we recognize that's not a good way to act, it can be cathartic to see someone unrestrained by social norms in a fictional setting where nobody is actually hurt or upset. This is exactly the attitude which I called “deplorable”. I dont’t feel that urge, as I explained in my linked comments.

kbenson 5y ago
>> I’ve actually come to despise them and the attitude they symbolize. The issue is, they don't necessarily symbolize an attitude. That's an assumption on your part, and in my opinion, and erroneous one. These stories let people see urges they have played out in a fictional setting, and explore how it might play out. This can relieve the pressure people might feel to actually act in these ways, because they get some outlet, while also seeing how the behavior is problematic in real life. It's fine that you don't like this fiction, but when you start projecting your own interpretations of what the fiction means or symbolizes, you are projecting your own interpretation and judgement onto others who may consume that fiction in an entirely different way. It doesn't symbolize what you say it does, it at most makes you feel something about it. To others it makes them feel something different. In neither case does it necessarily make someone act or think more in line with how the main character does. We can ask people to act a certain way within society, but once we start demonizing urges people may have and not act on, and fiction that appeals to those people, I think we've gone too far.