Comedy has long been regarded as a source of stress relief and a positive influence in our lives. However, recent events in Sri Lanka have shed light on the potential harm that unrestricted public comedy can inflict upon certain groups of people. It is crucial to recognise that while comedy can bring joy and laughter, it must be approached with sensitivity and responsibility to avoid causing harm or perpetuating stereotypes. It must also be understood that comedy can be misinterpreted to fit within notions that stifle freedom of speech.

By promoting a culture of inclusive and thoughtful humour, we can ensure that comedy remains a force for good, promoting laughter and unity while respecting the diversity of our society. To do this, it is beneficial to engage in discussions about the positive and negative impacts of comedy and humour for a better understanding of their implications.

Purpose of comedy acts

The purpose of comedy acts is to entertain and amuse audiences through humour and laughter and it is a form of artistic expression that uses various techniques, such as jokes, wordplay, satire, and physical comedy, to evoke amusement and provoke laughter. Comedy acts serve as a means of providing entertainment, offering a break from the ordinary aspects of life, and providing a source of joy and laughter. 

Additionally, we have experienced how comedy can be used to address social issues, challenge conventions, and provide commentary on different human conditions. Ultimately, the purpose of comedy acts is to engage and connect with audiences, eliciting positive emotions and promoting a sense of shared enjoyment.

Modern comedy acts have their roots in stand-up comedy and have evolved to match societal changes and the unique perspectives of comedians. Today, comedy acts come in various forms such as stand-up, sketch comedy, sitcoms, improvisation, and online content. The internet and social media have played a significant role in transforming comedy by allowing comedians to create and share their work online, reaching a global audience and giving rise to viral sensations. This has opened up new avenues for comedic expression and entertainment.

Experience of the audience 

Comedy helps us learn about life in simple and relatable ways. It shows us different perspectives and helps us understand other people’s experiences. Comedians often talk about social issues, pointing out the problems and injustices in society. By listening to their jokes and messages, we become more aware of these issues and can work towards making positive changes. Comedy also challenges our assumptions and makes us think differently. It can find humour in difficult situations, helping us cope with tough times. Comedy breaks down barriers and brings people together by finding common ground through laughter. By enjoying different types of comedy, we can learn about different cultures and become more inclusive. Simply, comedy teaches us about life by giving us new insights, making us laugh, and helping us see the world in a more positive and open-minded way.

Humour in memes

Humour in modern-day memes can also contribute to our learning about life in a similar way. Memes, often consisting of funny images or captions, can provide a light-hearted and relatable way to explore various aspects of life. They capture common experiences, emotions, and social situations, allowing us to connect and find humour in shared moments. Memes can also be a form of social commentary, using humour to critique societal trends, behaviours, or events. They offer a playful and accessible medium through which we can learn, reflect, and participate in the collective humour and understanding of our society.

Positive impact

Comedy and humour, including funny memes, can have positive effects on our wellbeing. They make us laugh, which reduces stress and helps us feel better. When we engage with comedy, humour, and memes, they bring us joy and happiness, improving our mood. They also help us connect with others, strengthening our relationships and making us feel closer to people. Comedy and humour can teach us to be resilient, finding the funny side of tough situations. They also help us understand different perspectives and feel more empathy towards others. By focusing on the positive and funny aspects of life, comedy and humour can make us more optimistic and bring a sense of lightness to us.

Negative impact

While comedy and humour generally have positive effects, it’s important to acknowledge that there can be negative impacts as well. Sometimes, comedy can hurt or offend people. Jokes that make fun of someone’s race, gender, or disabilities can be hurtful. For example, making jokes that perpetuate stereotypes about certain groups can make people feel disrespected or discriminated against.

We have seen some comedy acts or content that do not consider the feelings or struggles of others. This lack of empathy can lead to jokes that make light of serious issues or belittle people’s experiences. For instance, making jokes about someone’s personal struggles or traumatic events can be insensitive and hurtful. Comedy can be easily misunderstood, leading to confusion or hurt feelings. What one person finds funny, another might not. Jokes can be taken out of context or interpreted differently, causing misunderstandings or strained relationships.

Comedy that relies on stereotypes or promotes discrimination can reinforce harmful biases. Jokes that make fun of someone’s culture, religion, or appearance can perpetuate prejudice and contribute to a culture of exclusion. Furthermore, certain types of comedy may make certain groups of people feel left out or ignored. If comedy only focuses on a specific type of person or fails to represent diverse perspectives, it can create an environment where some individuals feel marginalised or excluded.

A note to comedians 

Sri Lanka is a diverse country with various ethnic, religious, and linguistic communities. Comedians and content creators should be aware of the potential impact their jokes may have on different groups in Sri Lankan society. They need to consider the historical and social context, as well as the sensitivities of different communities, to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or causing offence. In turn, as audience members, we should be mindful of the potential negative effects of comedy and support content that promotes empathy, inclusivity, and understanding among Sri Lankans. By fostering a culture of respectful and inclusive humour, comedy can become a unifying force that celebrates the diversity and richness of Sri Lanka’s society.

H.D. Wijedasa is recognised as a trailblazer among stand-up comedians in Sri Lanka. While there were other comedians as well, it was he who introduced radio comedy programmes in the 1950s, following the tradition we see today. One of his notable contributions was the “Vinoda Samaya” programme which is still popular today, even among young internet users. In his book Hasya Nirmana Kalawa (The Art of Comedy), published in 2000, sharing his experiences in the field he wrote: “Humour is more than just a joke or drama. It should not be absurd or aim to ridicule others. Comedy is not meant to provoke or incite. In reality, humour is an art, a philosophy, and even a religion. It’s the most powerful way to share the deepest truths in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.”

(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 10 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)

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The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.