Think about the implications of de Botton’s view of the role of humorists (cartoonists, stand-up comics, satirical writers, hosts of television programs, etc.). Then write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies de Botton’s claim about the vital role of humorists. Use specific, appropriate evidence to develop your position.
Thesis: Humorists serve a vital role in society because their jokes help provide comedic relief, advances political debates, and unite people in an enlightened atmosphere.
Define humor (in introduction) - "the quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in literature or speech"
Claim #1: Humorists provide comedic relief in awkward or tense situations. Humor helps ease any uncertain feelings that may be in the atmosphere, and release tensions.
**Provide examples of how humor helps ease tension-> Social gatherings, when people first meet each other it may be awkward, however humor can help lighten the mood and make people feel more comfortable around each other, and not worry so much about formality
Counter-argument: Humor can backfire, and make people uncomfortable
Rebuttal: however, in general, humor has the tendency to lighten the mood and put people at ease
Claim #2: Humor helps advance political debates, by allowing people to publish cartoons about politicians. These cartoons can help sway peoples' opinions and contribute to elections.
Claim #3: Humor also helps unite people in different scenarios, as it helps people relieve tensions and connect over humorist comments.
Example: Speakers will begin their speeches with telling jokes to enlighten the mood and connect to the audience.
