This Isn’t Funny: How Humor Helps Advance Freedom in Times of Crisis

(Come and find out why this is a relevant image.)

Sophia A. McClennen
Professor of International Affairs and Comparative Literature
Director of the Center for Global Studies

Joseph Wright
Professor of Political Science
Penn State

25 February, 4 pm – 5:30 pm

Katz Auditorium (PSU Law School Building)
Admission is free and open to the public.
Parking is in Katz building lot, free for PSU permits and $1/hour for others.

This meeting will be streamed (audio will be recorded):
https://psu.zoom.us/j/96623170699

In moments of democratic backsliding, repression, and political fear, humor often looks trivial—or irresponsible. Yet, in practice, it isn’t. In this talk, McClennen and Wright draw on their collaborative research to show how laughter can expose authoritarian absurdities, sustain civic engagement, and lower the costs of dissent when traditional forms of opposition are dangerous or blocked.  While humor may not be the perfect foil for repression in every circumstance, our work challenges the idea that resistance must always be solemn—and makes the case that humor can be one of democracy’s most resilient defences.  Jokes will be provided.

Sponsored by the Penn State School of International Affairs, the Penn State Center for Global Studies, and the Central PA chapter of the ACLU of Pennsylvania.

Part of The Constitution Talks, recorded lectures and speakers happy to present to your group.https://sites.google.com/view/constitutiontalks/home