Why do some people decide to make fun of others?

[Anonymous]

I think as long as you're punching up, not down, it's fine.

[Anonymous]

I increasingly feel as if all forms of humor are offensive on some level.

Would we, as a society, be kinder, gentler, and holistically better off if we just got rid of humor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I increasingly feel as if all forms of humor are offensive on some level.

Would we, as a society, be kinder, gentler, and holistically better off if we just got rid of humor?

Definitely not. Humor is how many people deal with the atrocities of life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Insecurity. By putting others down, they elevate themselves and perhaps distract from their own shortcomings.

I have literally never seen someone tease or make fun of another person who didn't ultimately reveal that they had some insecurity they were trying to conceal. People are never "just" mean. They are weak and their meanness is a way to make themselves feel stronger.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I increasingly feel as if all forms of humor are offensive on some level.

Would we, as a society, be kinder, gentler, and holistically better off if we just got rid of humor?

Definitely not. Humor is how many people deal with the atrocities of life.

But what about humor nearly always being offensive in some way?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I increasingly feel as if all forms of humor are offensive on some level.

Would we, as a society, be kinder, gentler, and holistically better off if we just got rid of humor?

Definitely not. Humor is how many people deal with the atrocities of life.

But what about humor nearly always being offensive in some way?

It's not though. That's BS. There's lots of comedy that isn't hurtful

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I increasingly feel as if all forms of humor are offensive on some level.

Would we, as a society, be kinder, gentler, and holistically better off if we just got rid of humor?

Definitely not. Humor is how many people deal with the atrocities of life.

But what about humor nearly always being offensive in some way?

It's not though. That's BS. There's lots of comedy that isn't hurtful

Nearly all of it is offensive in some way.

Perhaps you are older, and not aware of current cultural norms?

[Anonymous]

It's cathartic. Just got back from a weekend with extended family inlaws, many of whom were annoying and obnoxious. Didn't say anything to their faces but my spouse and I had a good time blowing off steam making fun of some of the ridiculous things her aunt did.

[Anonymous]

^ *week long* not weekend

[Anonymous]

It allows them to feel they are special. By putting others down, it is a way to say “I am better than them.” Some people subconsciously look for ways to prove to themselves that they are more than ordinary, and belittling another person is just one way they attempt to accomplish this. It comes from deep seated fears and insecurities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I increasingly feel as if all forms of humor are offensive on some level.

Would we, as a society, be kinder, gentler, and holistically better off if we just got rid of humor?

Definitely not. Humor is how many people deal with the atrocities of life.

Nurse here. There is so much dark humor. It’s less about making fun of people and more about absurd and just freaking terrible situations. Humor can be a great way to highlight the absurdity of certain serious issues (think parodies).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s learned behavior. They likely grew up in a family of bullies or a family who thinks it’s fun/funny to make fun of others. It’s dysfunctional.

It’s low class, cruel, and uncivilized humor. It’s also a sign of low intellect because making fun of others is low hanging fruit. It takes more wit and intellect to be funny without making fun of other people.

By low class, are you referring to SES? I think people can be cruel and mean in any social class. I’ve found that people who consider themselves high class might just express it in more passive aggressive ways. I’ll take someone being a blunt jerk to my face Vs patronizing/condescending “polite” mean.

[Anonymous]

This is one of the snarkiest cattiest websites I’ve ever seen, I refuse to believe this many people are so earnest about making fun of people.

[Anonymous]

Some people absolutely earn the right to be made fun of.

[Anonymous]

“Fun” is in the name