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Last week's issue was dedicated to the joys of laughing more at work, but are there times when we should be laughing less? (Hmmm...talk amongst yourselves.)
Several studies, including one published in the International Journal of Humor Research (whose unofficial motto is, "If anyone can make the topic of humor as exciting as paint drying, it's us!") cautions that when people laugh at offensive jokes in a workplace setting they run the risk of creating a climate of tolerance for offensive attitudes that may fuel even more offensive humor.
We've all likely been there at some point: a staff meeting or small gathering in the lunchroom where someone makes an offensive joke, and because laughter is such a cohesive social bonding enforcer (I got that one from the journal. See what I mean? What a bunch of fun-suckers.) you laugh to get along with everyone, even though inside you're squirming like an itchy eel in a pickle jar. Newbies laugh to feel included and part of the team; women sometimes laugh to be one of the guys; employees laugh at their boss's off-color jokes to keep in their good graces.
This is a broad topic with tentacles reaching into the murky waters of political correctness and the role of subversive humor (which, as I've written often about often, can play an extremely important and positive role in workplace communication).
My point today is this: In addition to a wonderful gift that can relax us and make us feel physically better, laughter gives us all a powerful voice, which is perhaps why laughter is viewed so negatively in some oppressive regimes around the world. It helps us connect to other people. Laughter offers encouragement. Laughter signals approachability by letting people know we're on their side. And in this last regard, laughter gives each of us a powerful vote.
So if someone makes a truly offensive joke remember that you have the power (and I'm not suggesting this is the final solution or the only thing you may need to do) to either join in on the laughter, or withhold your vote. |
