I think the lack of comedic appeal for me could be described through the benign-violation theory. When people are yelling, raising their voices, or screaming at others, it is considered a violation. However, we the yelling is not resolved or it does not feel safe, the violation is not benign, and therefore, it will not be considered funny. I usually get freaked out by people yelling, so this did not feel benign to me.
I could also see the way that gender roles and stereotypes played into the comedic elements of the video. The way that the main character was portrayed as a woman, but with opposite qualities of a stereotypical woman such as a lower voice definitely added to the comedic effect.
I appreciated the exploration that Elizabeth gave into the incongruity theory as well. I thought it was really accurate, and if the yelling was not so intense for me, I think the incongruities throughout the video would have been humorous. I am interested to see how other people interpreted the video in this way and who found it comedically appealing.
I like how you brought in the benign violation theory. I hadn't thought of that point. I fully understand the intended comedy that the "over dramatic-ness" in this video is supposed to bring, but I'm with you on this one. It's a bit too aggressive for my taste. Great post!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely true that yelling parents are a difficult thing--it can be perceived as either scary or ridiculous. Perhaps we see them as ridiculous in order to take out some of the bite, rather than the lack of a bite making it seem not ridiculous?
ReplyDeleteIn other words, maybe BV has it backward--its humor that makes something seem benign, rather than vice-versa.