Why Do We Laugh at Misfortune?

Because it is funny, that’s why.

Why, really, is a theory of mine. We ultimately laugh as a release of tension, and when we laugh at someone else’s misfortune it is partially a subconscious recognition of “Thank God that wasn’t me.”

Plus, we laugh because there is a part in all of us that is just plain ol’ mean ornery bastard.

Kids, you tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is, never try. – Homer Simpson

Like, ferinstance, you can laugh at this guy who had one arm compounded and the other hyperextended badly enough to not be able to use either arm well for weeks. Admit it, there’s some laughter there.

(Before you get all snotty about laughing at other people’s pain, don’t… that was me in 1988, and *I* laugh at it. Talk about being humbled!)

I’m not normally a religious man, but if you’re up there, save me, Superman!  – Homer Simpson