![]() ![]() This puts the labeler in control and the labeled as unworthy of a valid complaint. In fact, the retort “Can’t you take a joke?” implies that you are overly sensitive. ![]() In many instances, the offended person falls into the double bind of being insulted and then told not to feel insulted. And fear weakens the immune system, which increases illnesses and absenteeism. It’s hard to stay motivated at work when you begin to question your credibility within the organization. What is the result of this tactic? When we are the targets, we may pay the price in lowered self-esteem, self-doubt, anxiety, and loss of energy. And when others laugh at our “zingers,” we feel affirmed and justified. When we “zing” a group of people based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, weight, or other characteristics, we feel superior to them. Part of the “winning” strategy is to intimidate, put down, or best others by discounting them and their position, opinion, or performance. What are the roots of negative humor? Some might argue that they lie in American-style individualism, which pits one person against the other in a race to be the best, first, fastest, or smartest. Over time, the polarization and bitterness increased, and the two groups failed to capitalize on the potential synergies between their complementary approaches to business challenges. They would think to themselves, “I would never say something like that.” But their silence gave tacit approval to those who made the jokes, so they were equally responsible for the trash talking. While all comedy has an overt meaning, much of it also delivers a hidden, negative message, one we may not consciously recognize or realize we are sending.Īs this derogatory terminology surfaced in meetings and hallway conversations, many employees felt uncomfortable but kept quiet out of fear of being the next target. ![]() To really slam a person, the marketing executives would say, “You are beginning to sound like a DOAP,” or “That was an incredibly DOAPY thing to say!” and everyone would have a good laugh. ![]() After a while, they began to discredit any input that came from a DOAP. In response, the marketing people began to refer to the accountants as “DOAPs”-dumb old accounting people. The finance executives balked at the money that was being spent on marketing campaigns without regard to budget limits and battled with the “outsiders” in meetings. A schism soon developed between the new hires and the “old timers” in the accounting department. Not too long ago, we were working with a company that had recently hired some new marketing executives to position the company for greater growth. This subtle art of intimidation and one-upmanship is prevalent in corporate America and our society at large. Our joking at someone else’s expense even if they aren’t present-sends a strong message defining “insiders” and “outsiders.” And if we happen to be a member of the group being targeted, such humor can undermine our sense of self-worth, commitment to the organization, and performance. But while all comedy has an overt meaning, much of it also delivers a hidden, negative message, one we may not consciously recognize or realize we are sending. It usually feels good to chuckle and to feel “in on” the joke. You may have enjoyed a good laugh at similar jokes created at the expense of certain groups. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |