Laughter is a phenomenon in which the reasoning behind it remains unknown. However, laughter, more specifically comedy, is a powerful weapon that can be used to impact and control society. In particular, when authority is tyrannical the best response is simply ridiculing them by the use of humor. A dehumanizing effect which not only weakens authority’s power, but gives the power back to the people in return. The Shmeed Memoirs, a satirical piece from the point of view of Hitler’s barber, and “Bill Posters”- a quick and witty response to a “Bill Poster Will Be Prosecuted” sign on a building, are similar yet different comical responses that ridicule authority. Although The Shmeed Memoirs and Bill Posters are different in comedic style, they also
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As discussed by Dr. Waller in his article: “Ridicule: An Instrument in the War on Terrorism,” The use of ridicule takes away the emotions and as a result breaks down what is complicated by attacking authority figures head on. As seen by both pieces of comedy, Waller’s thesis eventuates to be correct. Woody Allen, author of The Shmeed Memoirs correctly orchestrates how Hitler was weak by his use of a barber shop and in doing so weakens Hitler’s persona. This correlates with Waller as he states, "ridicule eliminates the enemy's image of invincibility." the “Bill Posters” is different from these memoirs, in that it is not just commentary on the power citizens have to intervene as Woody Allen’s short story is, but it actually shows how that power can be used in an effective manner. Waller agrees with this sentiment as he expresses in his article "ridicules strips the enemy/adversary of his mystique and prestige." Hand in hand, although approach the idea of demoralizing rulers differently, as shown by Waller’s guide, they are both …show more content…
To explain, the “Bill Posters” actually handles the situation and takes care of the demeaning poster. However, Woody Allen’s short story plainly demonstrates how Hitler was weak and insecure, but, as represented by the Barber who continued working for Hitler because he “made a down payment on some furniture” (Allen), no one actually took a stand. By having the barber state, he knew how abominable Hitler was but didn’t do anything about it further exemplifies these different pieces of comedy. In other words, The Shmeed Memoirs and “Bill Posters” both do show authority figures true colors. However, these memoirs only comment on the fact that each of us has the potential to step in but as seen in Hitler’s case, choose not to undertake. The Barber is symbolic of all those during the World War II era who had and chose to stand up against Hitler but cowardly followed command instead. Concurrently, the author of “the Bill Posters” is the small minority that takes actually stand as they are aware that rulers are only powerful if you give them the license to be so. Thus, it is upon each of us to keep our authority and be resilient to the
As discussed by Dr. Waller in his article: “Ridicule: An Instrument in the War on Terrorism,” The use of ridicule takes away the emotions and as a result breaks down what is complicated by attacking authority figures head on. As seen by both pieces of comedy, Waller’s thesis eventuates to be correct. Woody Allen, author of The Shmeed Memoirs correctly orchestrates how Hitler was weak by his use of a barber shop and in doing so weakens Hitler’s persona. This correlates with Waller as he states, "ridicule eliminates the enemy's image of invincibility." the “Bill Posters” is different from these memoirs, in that it is not just commentary on the power citizens have to intervene as Woody Allen’s short story is, but it actually shows how that power can be used in an effective manner. Waller agrees with this sentiment as he expresses in his article "ridicules strips the enemy/adversary of his mystique and prestige." Hand in hand, although approach the idea of demoralizing rulers differently, as shown by Waller’s guide, they are both …show more content…
To explain, the “Bill Posters” actually handles the situation and takes care of the demeaning poster. However, Woody Allen’s short story plainly demonstrates how Hitler was weak and insecure, but, as represented by the Barber who continued working for Hitler because he “made a down payment on some furniture” (Allen), no one actually took a stand. By having the barber state, he knew how abominable Hitler was but didn’t do anything about it further exemplifies these different pieces of comedy. In other words, The Shmeed Memoirs and “Bill Posters” both do show authority figures true colors. However, these memoirs only comment on the fact that each of us has the potential to step in but as seen in Hitler’s case, choose not to undertake. The Barber is symbolic of all those during the World War II era who had and chose to stand up against Hitler but cowardly followed command instead. Concurrently, the author of “the Bill Posters” is the small minority that takes actually stand as they are aware that rulers are only powerful if you give them the license to be so. Thus, it is upon each of us to keep our authority and be resilient to the