This document discusses humor and humor communities from a sociological perspective. It begins by introducing two important humor organizations, then discusses how humor can build social bonds by relieving tension, creating cohesion and hierarchies. Certain groups like the Scots and Jews have become "people of the joke" due to their double identities. Humor communities are also seen in comedy teams, celebrations, disasters and other events where people use humor to find meaning and closure. The internet has changed how humor spreads between communities.
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Orpah Winfrey Dwayne Johnson: Titans of Influence and Inspirationgreendigital
Introduction
In the realm of entertainment, few names resonate as Orpah Winfrey Dwayne Johnson. Both figures have carved unique paths in the industry. achieving unparalleled success and becoming iconic symbols of perseverance, resilience, and inspiration. This article delves into the lives, careers. and enduring legacies of Orpah Winfrey Dwayne Johnson. exploring how their journeys intersect and what we can learn from their remarkable stories.
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Early Life and Backgrounds
Orpah Winfrey: From Humble Beginnings to Media Mogul
Orpah Winfrey, often known as Oprah due to a misspelling on her birth certificate. was born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Raised in poverty by her grandmother, Winfrey's early life was marked by hardship and adversity. Despite these challenges. she demonstrated a keen intellect and an early talent for public speaking.
Winfrey's journey to success began with a scholarship to Tennessee State University. where she studied communication. Her first job in media was as a co-anchor for the local evening news in Nashville. This role paved the way for her eventual transition to talk show hosting. where she found her true calling.
Dwayne Johnson: From Wrestling Royalty to Hollywood Superstar
Dwayne Johnson, also known by his ring name "The Rock," was born on May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California. He comes from a family of professional wrestlers, with both his father, Rocky Johnson. and his grandfather, Peter Maivia, being notable figures in the wrestling world. Johnson's early life was spent moving between New Zealand and the United States. experiencing a variety of cultural influences.
Before entering the world of professional wrestling. Johnson had aspirations of becoming a professional football player. He played college football at the University of Miami. where he was part of a national championship team. But, injuries curtailed his football career, leading him to follow in his family's footsteps and enter the wrestling ring.
Career Milestones
Orpah Winfrey: The Queen of All Media
Winfrey's career breakthrough came in 1986 when she launched "The Oprah Winfrey Show." The show became a cultural phenomenon. drawing millions of viewers daily and earning many awards. Winfrey's empathetic and candid interviewing style resonated with audiences. helping her tackle diverse and often challenging topics.
Beyond her talk show, Winfrey expanded her empire to include the creation of Harpo Productions. a multimedia production company. She also launched "O, The Oprah Magazine" and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, further solidifying her status as a media mogul.
Dwayne Johnson: From The Ring to The Big Screen
Dwayne Johnson's wrestling career took off in the late 1990s. when he became one of the most charismatic and popular figures in WWE. His larger-than-life persona and catchphrases endeared him to fans. making him a household name. But, Johnson had ambitions beyond the wrestling ring.
In the early 20
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Young Tom Selleck: A Journey Through His Early Years and Rise to Stardomgreendigital
Introduction
When one thinks of Hollywood legends, Tom Selleck is a name that comes to mind. Known for his charming smile, rugged good looks. and the iconic mustache that has become synonymous with his persona. Tom Selleck has had a prolific career spanning decades. But, the journey of young Tom Selleck, from his early years to becoming a household name. is a story filled with determination, talent, and a touch of luck. This article delves into young Tom Selleck's life, background, early struggles. and pivotal moments that led to his rise in Hollywood.
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Early Life and Background
Family Roots and Childhood
Thomas William Selleck was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 29, 1945. He was the second of four children in a close-knit family. His father, Robert Dean Selleck, was a real estate investor and executive. while his mother, Martha Selleck, was a homemaker. The Selleck family relocated to Sherman Oaks, California. when Tom was a child, setting the stage for his future in the entertainment industry.
Education and Early Interests
Growing up, young Tom Selleck was an active and athletic child. He attended Grant High School in Van Nuys, California. where he excelled in sports, particularly basketball. His tall and athletic build made him a standout player, and he earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Southern California (U.S.C.). While at U.S.C., Selleck studied business administration. but his interests shifted toward acting.
Discovery of Acting Passion
Tom Selleck's journey into acting was serendipitous. During his time at U.S.C., a drama coach encouraged him to try acting. This nudge led him to join the Hills Playhouse, where he began honing his craft. Transitioning from an aspiring athlete to an actor took time. but young Tom Selleck became drawn to the performance world.
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Breaking Into the Industry
The path to stardom was a challenging one for young Tom Selleck. Like many aspiring actors, he faced many rejections and struggled to find steady work. A series of minor roles and guest appearances on television shows marked his early career. In 1965, he debuted on the syndicated show "The Dating Game." which gave him some exposure but did not lead to immediate success.
The Commercial Breakthrough
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Selleck began appearing in television commercials. His rugged good looks and charismatic presence made him a popular brand choice. He starred in advertisements for Pepsi-Cola, Revlon, and Close-Up toothpaste. These commercials provided financial stability and helped him gain visibility in the industry.
Struggling Actor in Hollywood
Despite his success in commercials. breaking into large acting roles remained a challenge for young Tom Selleck. He auditioned and took on small parts in T.V. shows and movies. Some of his early television appearances included roles in popular series like Lancer, The F.B.I., and Bracken's World. But, it would take a
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Tom Selleck Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysisgreendigital
Over several decades, Tom Selleck, a name synonymous with charisma. From his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the television series "Magnum, P.I." to his enduring presence in "Blue Bloods," Selleck has captivated audiences with his versatility and charm. As a result, "Tom Selleck net worth" has become a topic of great interest among fans. and financial enthusiasts alike. This article delves deep into Tom Selleck's wealth, exploring his career, assets, endorsements. and business ventures that contribute to his impressive economic standing.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Foundation of Tom Selleck's Wealth
Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Tom Selleck grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. His journey towards building a large net worth began with humble origins. , Selleck pursued a business administration degree at the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. But, his interest shifted towards acting. leading him to study at the Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Minor roles in television and films marked Selleck's early career. He appeared in commercials and took on small parts in T.V. series such as "The Dating Game" and "Lancer." These initial steps, although modest. laid the groundwork for his future success and the growth of Tom Selleck net worth. Breakthrough with "Magnum, P.I."
The Role that Defined Tom Selleck's Career
Tom Selleck's breakthrough came with the role of Thomas Magnum in the CBS television series "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988). This role made him a household name and boosted his net worth. The series' popularity resulted in Selleck earning large salaries. leading to financial stability and increased recognition in Hollywood.
"Magnum P.I." garnered high ratings and critical acclaim during its run. Selleck's portrayal of the charming and resourceful private investigator resonated with audiences. making him one of the most beloved television actors of the 1980s. The success of "Magnum P.I." played a pivotal role in shaping Tom Selleck net worth, establishing him as a major star.
Film Career and Diversification
Expanding Tom Selleck's Financial Portfolio
While "Magnum, P.I." was a cornerstone of Selleck's career, he did not limit himself to television. He ventured into films, further enhancing Tom Selleck net worth. His filmography includes notable movies such as "Three Men and a Baby" (1987). which became the highest-grossing film of the year, and its sequel, "Three Men and a Little Lady" (1990). These box office successes contributed to his wealth.
Selleck's versatility allowed him to transition between genres. from comedies like "Mr. Baseball" (1992) to westerns such as "Quigley Down Under" (1990). This diversification showcased his acting range. and provided many income streams, reinforcing Tom Selleck net worth.
Television Resurgence with "Blue Bloods"
Sustaining Wealth through Consistent Success
In 2010, Tom Selleck began starring as Frank Reagan i
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2. Two Important Humor Organizations:
AATH: Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor
http://www.aath.org/
International Society for Humor Studies
www.humorstudies.org
2
3. “He’s really a humorist…But he’s trying to give humor
more respectability on university campuses.”
Do you think that talking about
such concepts as these gives
humor more respectability?
1.Meaning Making
2.Hierarchy Building
3.Cohesion Building
4.Tension Relief
How do attitudes differ in
universities and in business,
church, military?
3
5. 5
Humor as a Social System
• Humor ‘breaks the ice’ between strangers,
and unites people in different hierarchical
positions.
• It creates a sense of “shared conspiracy” like
gossiping or joking about superiors.
• The flip side is that those who do not join in
the laughter, either because they don’t catch
on, or because the joke targets them, will feel
left out, shamed, or ridiculed.
7. Humor as a Social System (Continued)
• Joking relationships build group identity and
solidarity.
• They promote communities over hierarchies
and reveal ambiguities that enhance and
subvert the expectations of people in
religious and civic groups.
• Laughter always ties into the humor of a
particular social group—even if you are
laughing by yourself at something you
receive over the Internet.
7
9. The Theory of Social Control
• But some scholars argue that humor is a
social corrective, linked with embarrassment.
• People learn what not to do when they see
who gets laughed at.
• This goes back to the beliefs of Henri
Bergson, who called humor a “social
corrective…intended to humiliate.”
9
11. Humane Humor Rules
Women, in general, have been more concerned
than men about negative humor. In the early
1980’s Emily Toth, created the first “Humane
Humor Rule,” “Never target a quality that a
person can’t change.”
Later Humane Humor Rules Include:
•Target yourself, i.e. use self-deprecating
humor.
•Target your own ethnic group or gender, but
no other ethnic group or gender.
11
12. Additional “Humane Humor Rules.”
• Never target the victim.
• Always target a strength so that it empowers
rather than humiliates the target.
• Be sure that there is spacial, temporal and
psychological distance before making fun of
a tragedy.
• Remember: Tragedy + Time = Comedy
12
13. The “Dyadic Tradition” = A Built-In Humor Community
Elliott Oring coined this term to refer to joking
relationships among couples, siblings, or close
friends.
For example, if only one
of us had been driving to
Heber, this roadside stand
selling “rustic
furniture” would not
have seemed humorous.
But together we found it
funny enough to stop for
photographs, even if not
to make a purchase.
Alleen and Friends
13
14. Here our grandsons are laughing simply from
the surprise of “overlooking” Chicago from the
Willis Tower. They laughed because of:
• The surprise
• A new viewpoint
• A sharing among
family members
• Incongruity
• Understatement
• Spur-of-the-moment
word play
14
15. Comedy Teams Are Another Kind of Built-in, or
“Dyadic,” Humor Community
• Almost one tenth of the
500 performers in Who’s
Who in Comedy are part
of a team.
• They are more
recognizable and
memorable than are
individuals.
• Their interactions can
revitalize old gags.
• Their good “chemistry”
enhances creativity and
enjoyment.
• Their different looks and
voices provide contrast
and help with the efficient
creation of stock
characters.
• Audiences enjoy the
anticipation because they
see new material but in a
familiar style.
NAME SOME TEAMS.
15
17. The People of the Joke
• The Scots became “the
people of the joke” about
the same time as did the
Jews.
• Scottish jokes were about
tricky Scotsmen who were
covetous, argumentative,
and obsessed with
keeping the Sabbath.
• Scots told the jokes about
themselves, hence the
self-mocking tone.
17
18. 18
The People of the Joke (CONTINUED)
• British scholar, Christie Davies explains that
what the Jews and the Scots have in
common is a sense of double identity.
• They are both grounded in their religious
tradition, and love to argue for the sake of
argument.
• He believes that “From this arose the Jewish
and Scottish pre-eminence in physics,
philosophy and economics and in jokes that
no other small nation can match”
19. 19
The People of the Joke (CONTINUED)
• American folklorist Elliott Oring says that the Jewish
American Princess is portrayed as “spoiled, self-
centered, materialistic, excessively concerned about
her appearance, and indifferent to sex and the needs
of her family.”
• In contrast, the Jewish American Mother is portrayed
as overly solicitous of her children and concerned
with their feeding and their health. She suffers for
them and enjoys her martyr role. Her biggest
pleasure in life is the attention and appreciation of
her children.
• Is there an irony in that Jewish princesses grow up
to become Jewish mothers?
22. Oring also points to the long history
of community centered joking.
• “The Brothers Grimm included comic tales in their
famous collection of Kinder- und Hausmärchen
(Children’s and Household Tales).”
• “Jokes and anecdotes comprise approximately a
third of the tale type in Antti Aarne and Stith
Thompson’s index The Types of the Folktale.”
• “Since the early 1960s, folklorists have been
documenting, analyzing, and interpreting the jokes
and joke cycles that have come to dominate oral
expression in contemporary society.”
22
23. Alan Dundes observed how joke
cycles reveal community values.
For example, he said that “Dead Baby Jokes” showed a hostility
and resentment against babies that resulted in contraception and
abortions from the 1960s to the 1980s, when the joke cycle ended.
Helen Keller jokes reflected fears about new laws protecting the
rights of disabled children and adults. They disappeared after the
new laws were successfully implemented.
Christie Davies showed that such jokes (listed in the next slide)
are not told about our adversaries, but are told about groups that
are peripheral to the mainstream in terms of geography, ethnicity,
or economics.
23
25. Can you think of jokes that fit into
one or more of these categories?
• Disaster Jokes
• Dumb Blonde
Jokes
• Elephant Jokes
• Helen Keller Jokes
• Jewish American
Mother/or Princess
Jokes
• Light Bulb Jokes
• Polish Jokes
• Promiscuous Jokes
• Sick Jokes
• Tall Tales
• Urban Legends
25
27. 27
Talk Shows and their Audiences:
STEPHEN COLBERT: “THE COLBERT REPORT”:
http://www.colbertnation.com/home
BILL MAHER:
http://www.hbo.com/billmaher/video/
TREVOR NOAH: “THE DAILY SHOW”:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
29. Promiscuous Joking
• J. M. Sykes says that obscene joking is more acceptable
between the sexes when the jokers are not in danger of a
real sexual relationship.
• Going along with this, Elliott Oring says that when there
is a possibility of a sexual relationship, joking is marked
by modesty and restraint.
• He gives an example from a study of the dynamics of
joking at an upstate New York diner during the period of
12:45 to 2:00 A.M. Bars in the area closed at 1:00 A.M.
and waitresses got off work at 1:30. This resulted in a
“bar rush” with men hoping to pick up waitresses.
29
30. Promiscuous Joking (continued)
• The jokes provided a way for customers to test the
availability of waitresses without risking a personal
rejection.
• Similarly, waitresses could encourage someone they
were interested in or discourage others without
having to entertain or reject explicit sexual
overtures.
• Thus joking in the social context of the bar rush was
a coded communication about intimacy and sexual
availability.
30
32. 32
Disaster Jokes: e.g. Challenger
Jokes vs. 9-11 Jokes
• Jokes about the Challenger explosion (Jan. of 1986) spread
slowly because the Internet was not yet in common use. Still
within a few weeks, jokes appeared on three different college
campuses re. the acronym NASA standing for “Need Another
Seven Astronauts” and Christa McAuliff’s last words being
“What’s this button for?”
• Elliott Oring says that the jokes signaled a move towards
closure; meaning a willingness to bring the tragedy back to
private discourse.
• After the 9-11 disaster, it would have been possible for jokes to
spread on the Internet, but for several days no one made jokes
because of the horror. When they did begin to appear, they
were focused not directly on the victims, but instead were
making fun of people’s reactions and what they first thought
when they heard about it.
33. 33
Oring explains how people use what he calls “keying”
to establish an instant humor community.
Parties and roasts are automatically “keyed” for joking,
but certain expressions also serve to introduce a joke:
– Stereotypical actors and locales (“Guy goes into a
bar…”);
– A pervasive present tense (“asks the bartender for a
martini…”);
– A formulaic introduction (“Have you heard the one
about…”);
– An appeal to tradition (“Here’s an old chestnut…”);
– A disclaimer (“My husband is the joke teller in the
family, but...)”
35. Celebratory Humor
• When our Ph.D.
student, Lisa Arter,
passed her Ph.D.
defense, she donned
this wonderful shirt
with the Dr. Seuss
message, “Trust Me:
I’m a Doctor.”
• Can you give some
other examples of
celebratory humor or
practical jokes?
35
36. Other Special Event Humor
Almost as much money is spent on Halloween
as on Christmas. Is it play or humor? Or is it
impossible to separate the two?
• Tell us about wedding
humor.
• How about funerals?
• Birthday celebrations?
• Celebrity (or retirement)
roasts?
• April Fools Day?
• Where else?
36
37. Is Santa Claus one great international joke that
adults play on children around the world?
What features make it “communal”?
37
38. 38
Humor Specialized to Certain
Groups
• John Morreall tells about a California police officer,
Adelle Roberts, who was called by neighbors on a
domestic violence case. When she got out of her squad
car, she heard yelling and sounds of things hitting
against the inside walls of the house.
• Then a portable TV set came crashing through the front
window.
• She knocked very loudly and a voice inside asked, “Who
is it?”
• “TV repair” Adelle responded, and the husband and wife
caught onto the humor and came to the door smiling.
39. 39
An Irony about Humor Communities
and Politics
Christie Davies says that leaders in a democracy do not
suffer from stupidity jokes as much as do leaders in
totalitarian countries. This is because such jokes would
imply that “we the people” are stupid because we elected
them.
However, we do joke about leaders who were not elected in
the usual way, which includes First Ladies, as well as:
•Sir Alec Douglas-Home (British Prime Minister 1963-4)
• President Gerald Ford,
•Vice-President Dan Quayle,
•President George “Dubya” Bush, and
•Arizona’s Governor Evan Mecham.