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The YouTube comedy show India’s Got Latent is facing controversy. Host Samay Raina and panellist Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) are at the centre of it. During an episode, Allahbadia made a vulgar remark about a contestant’s parents. His comment sparked nationwide outrage. Multiple FIRs have been filed against Raina, Allahbadia, and other panellists like Ashish Chanchlani and Apoorva Makhija for allegedly crossing the line of freedom of speech in the name of humour.
However, while many have picked their sides, an expert explained the brain’s function in deciding the intensity of the joke.
The Brain’s Role in Processing Humor
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Have you ever wondered why one person laughs at a joke while another gets angry? The answer lies in the brain. Dr Rebecca Pinto, Founder- Rebecca's Physiotherapy, Mumbai, explains how our brain decides whether a joke is funny or offensive. When you hear a joke, two parts of your brain get to work.
The first is the prefrontal cortex, the logical part of the brain. It analyzes the joke, trying to understand its meaning and context. The second is the amygdala, the emotional part of the brain. It decides whether to laugh or feel attacked.
Dr Pinto says, “The amygdala acts like a filter. If it feels safe and comfortable, you laugh. If it feels threatened, you get offended.” This explains why the same joke can have different reactions from different people.
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How Jokes Offend People: The Science Behind It
Research shows that offensive jokes often trigger a strong emotional response. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that when people hear jokes they find offensive, the amygdala activates strongly, signalling a threat. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex struggles to process the joke logically, leading to feelings of anger or discomfort.
Dr. Pinto adds, “When a joke touches on sensitive topics like family, identity, or personal beliefs, it can feel like a direct attack. This is especially true in a polarised society where people are already on edge.”
For example, in the case of India’s Got Latent, Ranveer Allahbadia’s joke about his parents crossed a line for many viewers. The joke, which involved a vulgar scenario, triggered a strong emotional response. Dr. Pinto explains, “Jokes about family or personal values often hit too close to home. When the amygdala perceives this as a threat, it overrides any chance of finding humour in it.”
The Impact of Society and Mood
The brain’s reaction to humour also depends on the mood of society. If people are already stressed or divided, they are more likely to find jokes offensive. Dr Pinto says, “A joke that works in one situation might fail in another. It’s not always about the joke itself. Sometimes, it’s about how society is feeling at that moment.”
Conclusion
Humour is complex. What makes us laugh or get angry depends on how our brain processes the joke. The expert’s explanation shows that it’s not just about the joke itself. It’s about the brain’s logic, emotions, and the mood of society. So, the next time a joke goes viral for the wrong reasons, ask yourself: Was it the joke, or was society just not in the mood? However, the best way to protest against a joke is to stay silent and not give a reaction but people have their very own ways.