The Art of Dark Humor: A Guide to the History, Styles, and Impact of Dark Comedy

The Origins and History of Dark Comedy

Dark comedy dates back centuries, with roots in British absurdist humor and the French surrealist movement of the 1920s. Writers like Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain, and even William Shakespeare incorporated dark comedy elements into some of their most famous works. Modern dark humor proliferated with the rise of satirical magazines like the National Lampoon in the 1970s and boundary-pushing comedians like Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor.

Throughout history, dark comedy has allowed creators to tackle controversial social and political issues in provocative yet humorous ways. By using humor, dark comedy brings levity to otherwise serious or solemn topics. It creates a framework for conversation, debate, and reflection on issues affecting society.

Characteristics and Key Elements

There are several key characteristics that define the dark humor genre:

• Taboo or disturbing subject matter - Death, disease, violence, racism, sexism, poverty, war, etc.
• Cynicism and irony - Poking fun in a sarcastic, subversive way.
• Mortality and the absurdity of life - Making light of the inevitability of death and meaningless of existence.
• Satire and social commentary - Using humor to highlight societal ills and hypocrisies.
• Surrealism and anti-humor - Bizarre, disjointed jokes that lack traditional punchlines.
• Schadenfreude - Deriving humor from the misfortunes of others.

Often dark comedy will blend these elements together. For example, a joke about death may highlight the absurdity of life while also providing social commentary on how people react to grieving. The crux is finding humor in subjects typically considered inappropriate or upsetting.

Popular Dark Humor Genres and Subgenres

There are many styles and genres that fall under the umbrella of dark comedy. Some of the most popular include:

Deadpan Humor

Deadpan humor features an extremely serious, sullen, or expressionless delivery. The contrast between gloomy tone and outrageous content heightens the humorous effect. Iconic deadpan comedians include Steven Wright, Andy Kaufman, and Will Ferrell.

Insult Comedy

Insult comics thrive on outrageous, offensive, and taboo content. By pushing boundaries, insult comics like Don Rickles, Lisa Lampanelli, and Jeffrey Ross aim to shock the audience. Roasts are a popular venue for insult comedy.

Cringe Comedy

Cringe comedy deliberately makes audiences uncomfortable through awkward social situations, vulgarity, and squirm-inducing behavior. Popular cringe comedy examples include The Office, Borat, and Napoleon Dynamite.

Shock Humor

Shock humor features explicit, graphic references to taboo or disturbing topics presented in outrageous contexts meant to offend. Shock comics like Howard Stern, Andrew Dice Clay, and Tom Green traffic in dark, raunchy, and politically incorrect content.

Gallows Humor

Gallows humor deals with serious, traumatic, or terrifying circumstances like death, murder, disease, etc. It helps people cope through bleak or dire situations. Jewish humor and other styles from oppressed groups often fall into this category.

Parody and Satire

Many darkly comedic films and TV shows parody serious genres or societal institutions. For example, Stanley Kubrick's classic Dr. Strangelove satirizes Cold War paranoia, while Monty Python's Life of Brian pokes fun at Christ stories.

Why Do People Enjoy Dark Comedy?

There are several psychological and social factors that explain dark comedy's ongoing appeal:

• It allows people to vent and laugh about taboo topics that can't be discussed seriously.
• Finding humor in tragedy is a coping mechanism to deal with harsh realities.
• It provides a socially acceptable outlet for expressions of cynicism, morbidity, anger, etc.
• Laughing at disturbing things may lessen their emotional impact.
• It creates a bonding experience among those with similar transgressive sensibilities.

Additionally, the unexpected juxtaposition of humor and moroseness creates an element of surprise. The sheer audacity of dark jokes also elicits shocked laughter. People may laugh just as much from disbelief as actual amusement.

Controversies and Criticisms

Due to its provocative nature, dark comedy frequently stirs controversy and draws criticism:

• It can normalize and trivialize offensive, problematic behavior/attitudes.
• Finding humor in others' misfortunes can be seen as cruel, callous, and insensitive.
• It frequently relies on reductive, harmful stereotypes for comedic impact.
• Pushing boundaries simply to shock and offend has limited artistic merit.
• Audiences may miss satirical intent and take jokes at face value.

However, supporters argue dark comedy acts as a social safety valve allowing audiences to laugh through discomfort. It can raise awareness of taboos and double standards. When done thoughtfully, dark humor provides meaningful social commentary on complex issues.

Notable Dark Comedians Throughout History

Many pioneering comedians have shaped the evolution of dark comedy. Here are just some of the most influential:

Jonathan Swift

The satirist behind Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, Swift used vicious ironic wit to skewer British politics and society in the 1700s.

Mark Twain

Twain's later works like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn used pitch-black humor and scathing irony to condemn slavery, racism, and American imperialism.

Lenny Bruce

Bruce's taboo-shattering routines in the 1950s/60s tackled sex, drugs, religion, and obscenity laws. He paved the way for future boundary-pushing comics.

Richard Pryor

Pryor's hyper-candid comedy about race relations, drug abuse, and other controversial topics were groundbreaking in the 1960s/70s.

George Carlin

One of the most influential stand-up comics ever, Carlin's "Seven Dirty Words" routine challenged censorship and cemented his biting, satirical style.

Andy Kaufman

Kaufman's anarchic, avant-garde performance art pieces - like wrestling women or acting mentally ill - disrupted 1970s comedy conventions.

Sarah Silverman

Silverman's deadpan delivery contrasts brilliantly with lyrics and jokes about racism, sexism, religion, and other hot-button topics.

Sacha Baron Cohen

By satirizing ignorance and bigotry through characters like Borat and Bruno, Baron Cohen's comedy also provides astute cultural critique.

The Impact and Legacy of Dark Humor

While divisive, dark comedy has left an indelible mark on pop culture and society:

• It's opened the door for social discourse on once unspeakable topics through humor.
• Paved the way for provocative comedy and challenged censorship standards.
• Allowed marginalized groups an outlet to laugh at their oppression as a coping mechanism.
• Influenced counterculture movements and affinity for subversive media.
• Shaped modern entertainment across genres - from horror films to crime dramas.

Dark humor continues to thrive today in live comedy, TV, film, literature, music, internet culture, and more. While eternally controversial, at its best it can make people laugh in the face of the most terrible truths of life.

Examples of Dark Humor Jokes

Dead Baby Jokes

What's funnier than a dead baby?

A dead baby in a clown costume.

What's the difference between a truck full of bowling balls and a truck full of dead babies?

You can't unload a truck full of bowling balls with a pitchfork.

How do you make a dead baby float?

Take your foot off its head.

Two dead babies, one cup.

Morbid Jokes

I asked my daughter if she'd seen my newspaper. She told me that newspapers are old school. She said that people use tablets nowadays and handed me her iPad. The fly didn't stand a chance.

Did you hear about the depressed plumber? He didn't know what to liquor self with.

My grandad has the heart of a lion and a lifetime ban from the local zoo.

What's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind as it hits the windshield? Its butt.

Dark One-Liners

I hate Russian dolls. They're so full of themselves.

My ex-wife still misses me. But her aim is steadily improving.

I couldn't figure out why the baseball kept getting larger. Then it hit me.

Need an ark? I Noah guy.

Shock Value Jokes

What's the difference between acne and a priest? Acne doesn't come on a kid's face until they're at least 13.

What do you call an anorexic with a yeast infection? A quarter pounder with cheese.

How do you stop a dog from humping your leg? Pick it up and suck its dick.

My wife is so fat, the last time she saw 90210 was on the scale.

Dark Comedy Memes

Tips for Aspiring Dark Comedy Writers

Interested in trying your hand at dark comedy writing? Here are some tips:

• Start by brainstorming taboo topics that personally make you uncomfortable - mining your own repressed fears can yield surprisingly funny material.
• Always punch up, not down. Aim satire at institutions and powerful groups, not at oppressed minorities.
• Find absurdism in tragedy rather than making light of victims' suffering directly.
• Juxtapose grim content with a cheerful, oblivious, or deadpan delivery for maximum contrast.
• Weave in insightful social commentary - avoid just provoking for provocation's sake.
• Know your audience and tailor your tone accordingly - go blue for adults, keep it PG-13 around kids.
• Edit ruthlessly - cut any jokes that sound more mean-spirited than funny.

With its long pedigree and endless capacity to surprise, dark comedy offers wide creative possibilities for those willing to plumb the depths of discomfort and bad taste in pursuit of the ultimate taboo-shattering joke.

FAQs

What are some examples of dark comedy movies?

Some classic dark comedy movies include Dr. Strangelove, Heathers, American Psycho, Brazil, The Lobster, In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, and Fargo.

What makes something dark humor versus just offensive?

True dark comedy uses satire, irony, and wit to offer social commentary on taboo topics. Offensive humor that just tries to shock and provoke reactions lacks depth and nuance.

Is gallows humor the same as black humor?

Gallows humor is a specific subgenre of black comedy dealing with mortality and making jokes in dire situations. Dark humor is a broader term encompassing gallows humor plus more.

Why do some people dislike dark comedy?

Reasons people dislike dark humor include believing it normalizes offensive behavior, promotes insensitivity, relies on harmful stereotypes, and prioritizes shock value over substance.

Who are some of the most famous dark comedians?

Pioneers of dark comedy include Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Andy Kaufman, and modern stars like Sarah Silverman and Sacha Baron Cohen.