“Potterversity” Episode 60: “Silly Resistance in ‘Harry Potter’”

On this episode, we examine the relationship between humor and resistance to authoritarianism.

Harry Potter scholar and stand-up comedian Mark-Anthony Lewis joins Katy and Emily to talk about what makes something funny. Benign violation theory says that humor is found in something safe – for example, you can laugh at someone falling if they aren’t seriously hurt, and you can tickle someone you know, but not a stranger. It’s all about context. It can be especially funny when an authority figure looks ridiculous. Comedians are often viewed as truth-tellers, and a jester – seen as non-threatening – may be the only person who can speak the truth in the presence of the king.

Humor in Harry Potter is often subversive, with Peeves and the Weasley twins as the primary examples, particularly against Umbridge. But humor is not inherently virtuous. Sometimes, pranks can go too far and veer into bullying or unintentionally inspire villains. This applies to the Marauders as well. The power dynamics in a particular situation can determine whether or not a joke is funny.

When employed appropriately, jokes can help fight fear, like when facing a boggart. And what’s more frightening than totalitarianism?

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