Dark Humour: A Modern Moot
Dark humour, otherwise known as a dark comedy, refers to a comedy theme that jokes about morbid or taboo topics such as death, war, insinuations, or disease. This topic has gained such immense popularity over the past 20 years that it qualifies as a separate genre.
My first experience with dark humour was through the book Animal Farm by George Orwell, suggested on my seventh-grade reading list. Twelve-year-old me who only immersed herself in the fantasy world of Harry Potter would never have fathomed delving into such a genre. While employing the elements of bleak comedy and dark humour throughout, the book reflected the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 followed by the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. As I planted my engrossed self on the couch to read Animal Farm, I was utterly horrified yet astonished by that enthralling masterpiece.
Thus was my first encounter with the entity “dark humour”, a stranger at the time who was to become a lifelong companion of mine. I plunged into the genre and found myself to have read over a hundred books utilizing the elements of dark comedy. These included allegorical novellas, books related to the Holocaust, and novels addressing taboo issues in society.
As someone from an Orthodox Hindu background, it was often difficult for me to discuss the matters dealt with in this genre. However, I gradually began to unfold my restrictive mindset and open up more. I explored topics that were largely interdicted and voiced my opinions regarding them. Unlike most, I frankly enjoyed the queasiness I experienced when reading dark humour. One can find it funny and entertaining while being aware that the elucidated topic is undoubtedly dark.
In any case, the subject in question has become extremely controversial in present-day society. Nowadays, dark humour is frequently used to exercise offensive jokes regarding transphobia, homophobia, and other themes, which should not be condoned. Social media users on platforms such as TikTok have engaged in several controversies in the name of dark humour as they use it as a medium to inflict shame and negativity upon others. Macro-influencers such as Kurtis Conner have addressed these issues and seek to change this perception of people. Due to such conflicts, it has become a highly disputed genre.
Not surprisingly, dark humour typically brings about varied reactions within an audience. Though some thoroughly enjoy the genre, others despise it. I do not wish to impose this genre upon anyone, but I highly suggest you experience it at least once!