JOURNAL ARTICLE

"The Most Revolutionary Affect of the Masses": Collective Laughter.

  • Published In: Discourse: Journal for Theoretical Studies in Media & Culture, 2024, v. 46, n. 2. P. 228 1 of 3

  • Database: Communication & Mass Media Complete 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hennefeld, Maggie 3 of 3

Abstract

The article explores the dynamics of contagious laughter and its implications for collective behavior, particularly in the context of mass hysteria and social interaction. It highlights a viral video of laughter on a German subway, illustrating how laughter can unite diverse individuals in a shared experience, while also examining the contrasting reactions of those who abstain from joining in. The text delves into historical and psychological perspectives on laughter, hysteria, and crowd behavior, referencing theorists like Henri Bergson and Walter Benjamin, and discusses the potential for laughter to serve as both a therapeutic release and a means of social connection. Additionally, it addresses the complexities of laughter as a symptom of deeper societal issues, including colonial trauma and the challenges of modern political discourse. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Discourse: Journal for Theoretical Studies in Media & Culture. 2024/04, Vol. 46, Issue 2, p228
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:1522-5321
  • DOI:10.1353/dis.2024.a959524
  • Accession Number:185838037
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Discourse: Journal for Theoretical Studies in Media & Culture is the property of Wayne State University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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