This was a great choice for a funny clip. It definitely made me laugh. I like your interpretations of the different comedic elements, but I also wanted to look into some different theories and how they could explain the comedy behind this clip. Specifically, the benign-violation theory could really apply to this clip and explaining the comedic elements behind it.
When looking at why this clip was funny, I immediately started thinking about how it was a violation since the substitute teacher was messing up (or violating) the correct pronunciation of the students' names. It was hilarious, however, because it was completely benign. I love this explanation because it explains perfectly why these violations were funny because they were so obviously harmless to the students.
The arguments between the student and the substitute were also hilarious because you would not normally expect students to argue with teachers because it is generally considered disrespectful. I would classify this as an example of the incongruity since this is unexpected and not in the norm; it could also fit under the benign-violation theory.
Furthermore, I really like the incongruity theory's explanation because the pronunciation of these names was completely unexpected because most of us had never heard these names pronounced this way before.
All in all, I really like this video clip because I think it is a clear example of how multiple theories can be applied to one situation and how they can overlap. I really think all four theories we have discussed can be somehow applied to this theory. Thanks for sharing!
I love your explanation of how benign violation theory can be applied here. Having your name be mispronounces (or in my case, half left off) can certainly be frustrating! But you are absolutely right that it poses no real threat to the students. Well, until the substitute starts swiping glass containers off the desk, that is!
ReplyDeleteI think you point out very nicely how much overlap there is between incongruity and benign violation. I wonder also about what real life situations might be less benign and perhaps an object of this sketch's humor.
ReplyDeleteI didnt even think of the benign violation theory but now that you mentioned it your right. I think the benign violation theory fits this clip better than the incongruity theory or superiority theory.
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