Performing and Experiencing Anger (through Humor)

Abstract

Turning to one final entertainment genre, Chapter Three studies the rise in popularity of parodic infotainment news shows following the September 11th attacks. Drawing upon humor relief theory, as well as theories concerning affect mimicry and imagined communities, this essay argues that news parodies, such as Comedy Central's The Daily Show, satisfied various emotional needs for viewers during this traumatic time period. While critics often worry that therapeutic laughter diffuses fear and anger and quells rebellious impulses, this essay argues that the humor provided by these programs have the potential to help viewers transform their negative emotions into action.