Summary Of Status Anxiety By Alain De Botton
Although humor is often used to entertain or lighten one’s mood, it can also change the world, if addressed correctly. In his 2004 novel Status Anxiety, Alain de Botton argues that humorists do not only play a large role in entertainment, but they also represent the people and their true underlying feelings on series topics. I strongly agree with de Botton’s stance on the role of humor and humorists in society because they allow people to discuss and raise awareness for controversial issues without restraint. Humorists are able to give observations on society’s complications in a way that is easy for people to understand. Alain de Botton clearly states that the chief aim of humorists is not only to entertain but "to convey with impunity
messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” With this statement, de Botton makes it obvious that comedy can be used to communicate societal issues that would be seen as offensive if confronted in a serious manner. For example, the comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele use their sketch comedy series, “Key & Peele,” to focus on issues ranging from systemic racism to American society. Key & Peele’s large fan base that come from a multitude of different cultures, allows the comedians to easily get their ideas to resonate with people all over the globe. Shows with this type of humor manages to inspire its audience to think differently, showing that humor does have the ability to make an audience become aware of the unknown circumstances occurring around the world. In Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn satirical novel set in Missouri in the 1840’s, he criticizes slavery and African American rights, two widely debated issues at the time of the novel’s publication, in 1884. To speak up for the rights of black Americans was unheard of in the 19th century, and could bring harm to the speaker. Formers slaves had no voice in society at all, so a large portion of their thoughts on equal rights went unheard until Twain published his novel. After the publication of Huckleberry Finn many questioned the issue of the rights of African Americans for the first time. Humorists undoubtedly serve a vital role in society. Humorists have the ability to use their humor to bring light to certain problems not regularly discussed in society. They are able to present society’s problems and argue from an unethical standpoint, causing laughter while managing to get their point across. De Botton’s claim about humorists’ vital role in society is completely true because they not only entertain an audience, but they also serve as an instrument to spread a message to their audience.
messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” With this statement, de Botton makes it obvious that comedy can be used to communicate societal issues that would be seen as offensive if confronted in a serious manner. For example, the comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele use their sketch comedy series, “Key & Peele,” to focus on issues ranging from systemic racism to American society. Key & Peele’s large fan base that come from a multitude of different cultures, allows the comedians to easily get their ideas to resonate with people all over the globe. Shows with this type of humor manages to inspire its audience to think differently, showing that humor does have the ability to make an audience become aware of the unknown circumstances occurring around the world. In Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn satirical novel set in Missouri in the 1840’s, he criticizes slavery and African American rights, two widely debated issues at the time of the novel’s publication, in 1884. To speak up for the rights of black Americans was unheard of in the 19th century, and could bring harm to the speaker. Formers slaves had no voice in society at all, so a large portion of their thoughts on equal rights went unheard until Twain published his novel. After the publication of Huckleberry Finn many questioned the issue of the rights of African Americans for the first time. Humorists undoubtedly serve a vital role in society. Humorists have the ability to use their humor to bring light to certain problems not regularly discussed in society. They are able to present society’s problems and argue from an unethical standpoint, causing laughter while managing to get their point across. De Botton’s claim about humorists’ vital role in society is completely true because they not only entertain an audience, but they also serve as an instrument to spread a message to their audience.