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SG - The Politics and Ethics of Provocative Humour
Mocking the powers that be seems joyful, or at least satisfying. Until you meet some of the caveats. Can subversive humour free us from oppressive taboos?
About The Politics and Ethics of Provocative Humour
In free and open societies, humour provides a socially sanctioned way of crossing moral and social boundaries. In recent years, however, comedians who use provocative or ‘transgressive’ humour are increasingly criticised. In this presentation dr. Dick Zijp will shed light on the politics and ethics of transgressive humour, from a cultural studies perspective. What is potentially gained, and what is potentially lost, when transgressive humour becomes less socially acceptable? Does humour free us from oppressive taboos, or may it also reinforce social hierarchies and relationships of power? And what happens when ‘anti-woke’ comedians and radical right-wing politicians adopt modes of transgressive humour that were long associated with left-wing radicalism and progressive rebellion?
About lecture series Subversive Humour
The times are a bit gloomy, so let’s have some fun! Let’s have a look at subversive humour! Mocking the powers that be seems joyful, or at least satisfying. Until you meet some of the caveats. Like: What exactly are the powerful dogmas to be mocked? How funny do you find the distasteful? Can subversive humour turn against itself? But don’t worry. There will be plenty to laugh about in this series.
About Dick Zijp
Dr. Dick Zijp is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Media and Culture Studies at Utrecht University. He has a background in theatre studies, philosophy, and cultural studies. His research focuses on the politics and aesthetics of humour and comedy in the late 20th and early 21st century. Zijp has published widely on (Dutch) cabaret, stand-up comedy and the role of humour in the public sphere. He is also a freelance publicist and comedy critic for De Groene Amsterdammer.