The Politics and Psychoanalysis of Comedy

Robert Samuels

$169

Hardback

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English

Lexington Books/Fortress Academic
15 November 2023

Psychoanalytical theory (Freudian psychology); Abnormal psychology; Political ideologies; Liberalism & centre democratic ideologies; Conservatism & right-of-centre democratic ideologies

Series: Psychoanalytic Studies: Clinical, Social, and Cultural Contexts

This book looks at the political aspects of comedy and how humor is shaped by unconscious social and psychological factors within a particular cultural and historical context. Updating Freud’s work on jokes, Robert Samuels argues that any universal model of comedy must take into account the role played by distinct genres, which are themselves determined by particular political psychopathologies. In looking at contemporary comedy, we encounter a structure that is often seen throughout the world: in response to what is experienced as a Leftist super-ego censoring thoughts and speech and a Libertarian Right which promotes free speech as the ultimate value. Within this dynamic, comedians seeking to make their audience laugh by poking fun at sensitive and taboo subjects, intentionally and unintentionally, these humorists present an alternative to Left-wing political correctness and identity politics. Contemporary comedians then cannot help but to cater to Right-wing politics since the Right is centered on loudly rejecting the cultural dictations of the Left.

By: Robert Samuels
Imprint: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 238mm, Width: 158mm, Spine: 21mm
Weight: 476g
ISBN: 9781666945744
ISBN 10: 1666945749
Series: Psychoanalytic Studies: Clinical, Social, and Cultural Contexts
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 15 November 2023
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction Libertarian Comedy: The Hidden Danger of the Joe Rogan Experience The Office and the Political Humor of Centrist Narcissists The Hidden Conservative: Dave Chappelle and the Trap of Assimilation Curb Your Liberalism The Limits of Left-Wing Humor: Hannah Gadsby, Comedic Journalism, and the Misunderstanding of Freud Don’t Look Up: Maybe Politics Needs to Be Serious Bibliography Index About the Author

Robert Samuels teaches advanced writing at the University of California, Santa Barbara.