Five theories can be used to categorize why people find humor in different situations. The Relief Theory states that laughter comes from the release and enjoyment of tension. Superiority Theory claims that people can laugh at their own misfortunes and mistakes by feeling superior. According to Incongruity Theory it is the perception and acceptance of incongruous things, which can lead to our expectations and mental patterns being violated. The Benign Violation Theory argues that humor can arise from three factors. A moral rule suggests that something is wrong while another norm suggests the same thing is acceptable. The Mechanical Theory refers to physical humor that is caused by rigidity and inelasticity. These theories do not explain why humor can occur, since comedy is subjective. But, they can be explained psychologically.
Martin Short, a television presenter, walks down a memory lane to visit his Hamilton neighborhood. He notices an elderly woman sitting on a rocking chair, looking out over her porch. This is when he realizes that she was his school teacher Ms.DuBois. He almost quotes Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” when he says “Hey Ms.DuBois”. Joe Flaherty’s Atticus Flinch plays the role of Martin, telling him to show more respect to Ms. DuBois. He suddenly gets shot in his chest while complimenting the elderly woman. Ms. DuBois continues firing from her shotgun. Martin, the crew members (cameramen and others) soon run away behind them. You are running from Atticus, the injured woman, and Martin. It’s a bizarre and not very funny experience. However, there is a theory that the video clip was being shared in class to explain the humor. Incongruity theory seems to be the main theme of the clip. Expectations can be subverted. The video shows you that something unexpected happens at different points. Martin Short’s walk through his neighborhood as a child turns into a parody to Harper Lee’s classic novel. It becomes a strange transition into abnormality as it changes from “reallife” to “To Kill A Mockingbird”. I can assure you that no one expected this, regardless the video’s title. It quickly turns bizarre as little details like Atticus Finch appearing as if it’s the Great Depression, Alabama and Finch punching Short on the groin. Of course, the worst thing is when Atticus gets shot in his chest. We cut to Ms. DuBois reloading and holding a shotgun while she has a bewildered look on the face. An elderly lady should not be firing shots at anyone, especially when there is no reason. The madness escalates when the boom microphone operator runs away from the camera after firing the first shot. It destroys the illusion that TV magic is possible. Martin is soon the only one running, and Martin shouts for help. This is definitely not how someone would react if they wanted to show compassion and humility as they did in the beginning. It’s a rollercoaster tour of violations, which reveals a basic definition for incongruity. But theoretically, it is why?
Immanuel Kant offers an explanation of incongruous humor. “In everything that excites a lively, convulsive giggle there must also be something absurd (in this case, the understanding is not satisfied). Laughter is a sudden transformation of an expectation into nothing. Although it is not pleasant to the mind, this transformation indirectly provides an active pleasure for a brief moment. This transformation must have an effect on the body and the reaction of the mind …”.. I can confidently say that this explanation explains Martin Short’s humorous clip. It’s bizarre and not understandable by most, but it’s fun and can be a source of laughter because of the way the mind reacts to it. Kant’s example, with the Indian man and the Englishman, is not surprising to me. However, after watching the special, it becomes clear that there could be some weirdness. The Incongruity Theory is not meant to be absurdist. This theory simply demonstrates the absurdity of going to extreme lengths to defy expectations. Arthur Schopenhauer asserts that humor lies between our sense perceptions and our abstract rational knowledge. It can be abstract but grounded. It is possible for an elderly woman to carry a gun and be violent. It is quite absurd that prison guards allow a convict, to play cards, to be caught cheating and kick him out, but it is plausible. Martin Short’s bizarre endeavors can be explained using the Incongruity Theory.
The clip I found funny isn’t necessary to explain what a joke was. It was the reason I laughed. The clip and the special are meant to highlight Martin Short, comedy icon, in a gentle and caring light. However, he soon takes aim at Ms. DuBois and suggests that she isn’t as great as Mr.Finch claims. (He doesn’t give a picture of .”); and especially as the shots get fired, he runs off shouting “Someone please protect me!” and leaving Atticus pumped full of lead. It’s also fascinating to see the bizarre shift in reference. Why is “To Kill A Mockingbird” so special? What is it about this particular scene? You don’t have to quote the entire book. Why ask Joe Flaherty to be in this one clip to get him to do his Gregory Peck impression and then get brutally/realistically shot? The humor and language are what make me smile the most. Joe Flaherty’s exclamations of “She’s putting fucker lead in her ass!” or “I’m Atticus Flinch, dammit!” are perfect. Although it’s a strange clip, I find it very compelling. It is now easier to appreciate. Philosophical reasons. I see the Incongruity Theory a lot now, as I replay the clip. Martin Short Kills A Mockingbird definitely breaks my usual mental patterns to make an entertaining and insane minute of time.
Works citées
Martin Short Kills A Mockingbird, 19 Feb. 2016, https://youtu.be/N2TF0HZG5n4. “Philosophy of Humor.” Encyclopedia of Humor Studies, 20 Nov. 2012, doi:10.4135/9781483346175.n250.
Mcgraw and Caleb Warren. “Benign Violations: Making Immoral Behavior Funny.” PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2010, doi:10.1037/e722992011-021.
Bergson, Henri. Laughter: an Essay on the Meaning of the Comic https://youtu.be/N2TF0HZG5n4
