Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Truth and Social Construction


When reading over my partner’s list, there was one item in particular that struck me as false, despite the fact that she found it to be true.  On her list, she stated, “Having a sense of humor is the only way to get through life.”  Although laughing and smiling can instantly brighten everyone’s day, it is not the most important feeling a person can experience and it is certainly not essential to survival.  Having a sense of humor can be considered socially constructed because what one individual may find amusing my not be humorous to their audience.  Humor varies across the world and is not consistent over many cultures.  In one society, you may be considered funny, making you a more likeable person.  However, overseas, your humor could be seen as vulgar or offensive.  It would cause you more problems than if you hadn’t tried to make a joke.  There are also far more important things to get you through life.  Food, water and shelter will get you much further in the long run than being able to make people laugh.  An individual may feel more content with themself if they laugh frequently, but it is not the most important thing to their wellbeing.  

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