Seriously Funny: Disability and the Paradoxical Power of Humor

Exploring a paradox, Shawn Bingham and Sara Green show how humor has been used both to challenge traditional views of disability and to reinforce negative stereotypes and social inequalities. Seriously Funny ranges from ancient Greek dramas to medieval courts jesters to contemporary comedy, from stage performances to the experiences of daily life. Rich with insights into issues of identity and social stratification, it offers an eye-opening perspective on attitudes toward disability across the ages.
CONTENTS: The Social Significance of Disability Humor. Humor as Aesthetic, Analysis, and Activism. Disability and Humor in Historical Context. A Twenty-First-Century Cast of Comic Characters. Creating New Narratives. Disability Humor in a Politically Correct World. Using Humor to Reimagine Society. Appendix: Biographical Sketches of the Comedians Interviewed.