During this period when the world is dominated by technological concepts and schemes, its the basic principles and mechanisms that tend to be forgotten. But in order for a certain process or activity to work on a positive note knowledge and awareness of the foundations should be given proper consideration. Now for the people who belong within the confines of the stand-up comedy industry, there is an element that must be mastered. Lets take some time and venture into the unique world of humor.
Humor can be defined as the tendency of a specific cognitive experience to bring forth laughter that eventually leads to total amusement. Throughout time, there have been numerous theories that offer explanation about the social relevance and function of humor. These studies have identified that individuals of various ages and culture groups give out distinct responses to certain forms of humor. When certain persons respond positively to humorous situations manifesting a smile, laughter or any sort of amusement, then they are said to have what is called a sense of humor.
The term can be attributed to the humoral medicine made famous by ancient Greeks wherein a mixture of fluids are said to be have manipulated and controlled human emotion. Human beings were created as unique individuals, thus the response to humorous situations can differ especially when considering varying factors of intelligence, context, level of education, geographical location, culture, and or course maturity. Children of young age tend to enjoy slapstick forms of comedy such as cartoons and puppet shows while a mature age group prefer to have satire as it involves a deeper analysis of the true nature and target of the humor.
Famed German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer reprimanded the frequent misuse of the German loanword humor as to be in the same context with any type of comedy. Nevertheless both humor and comic are utilized when studies are done regarding comedic schemes and systems. It is said that humor involves more of a response while comic is characterized by stimulus. Moreover, humor has had an old aged connotation of the combination of wit and ridiculousness found in an individual.
Plato kicked off the western humor theory who tapped on Socrates as a dialogue character in his creation the Philebus. He emphasized in this work that the essence of the ridiculous is the ignorance exhibited by the weak who lacks the ability to fight back even after being ridiculed. Furthermore, Aristotle suggested in his Poetics that an ugliness that does not initiate disgust is necessary for humor.
Bharata Munis Natya Shastra which is a component of Sanskrit Drama identified humor or hasyam as an element of the eight nava rasas otherwise known as principle rasas. These are emotional responses that can be influenced and inspired within a crowd by the use of bhavas or the mimicry of emotions that the actors present. It is said that each rasa was linked with a specific bhavas formulated on stage as in the case of humor wherein it has an association with mirth or hasya.
Many are now attracted towards stand-up comedy. It has become a field for all ages. If ever you intend to try your wit and luck in the comedic endeavors, remember to first learn your way into mastering the basics.
