Introduction - The End of Humor?

Laughter Under Threat Throughout History

Abstract

Historically, humor has played a vital role in times of crisis, serving as a refuge of lucidity and a mechanism of resistance against persecution and oppression. In authoritarian regimes such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, laughter endured as a form of social critique and defense of freedom, proving essential for preserving sanity and encouraging independent thought. Today, scholars continue to emphasize its relevance: humor fosters doubt, the foundation of critical thinking, and strengthens liberty. Yet, the relationship between humor and freedom is complex, since the “enemies of laughter” are not only external but also internal, rooted in our own fears. In this context, self‑critical humor—expressed through satire, irony — emerges as a powerful tool to confront these fears and reconcile laughter with ethics and freedom. Inspired by Amos Oz’s remark that fanatics lack humor, the dossier questions whether we are approaching the end of laughter. In a world marked by wars, assaults on democracy, extreme polarization, environmental crisis, and uncertainty, humor remains indispensable as a means of coping and reflection. The dossier brings together researchers from diverse fields to deepen the debate on humorous representations and their social connections, exploring humor’s role as resistance and critique in times of global crisis.