Comedy Should Be Taught in Schools

Laughter, as Victor Borge shrewdly noted, “is the shortest distance between two people.” Right now, across the country, laughter is in short supply, which helps explain why there is so much distance between the Red and Blue of America. Hate is a strong word, but it is safe to say that many Democrats hate Republicans, and vice versa.

Essentially, what we have here is a failure to communicate. Such a delicate, potentially explosive dynamic is not tenable. This can’t go on. Something must be done.

Which brings us to comedy. Contrary to popular opinion, comedy is not just about making people laugh. It is, as the work of legendary figures like George Carlin, Bill Maher and Dave Chappelle have shown, a profound form of expression that reflects societal values, challenges norms and provides relief from the complexities of life. Comedy is a universal language, spoken everywhere from Melbourne to Maine, Lagos to Lahore. Humor predates language. Before we learned to lob insults at one another, we laughed. Humor serves as a powerful tool for social commentary, allowing individuals to explore sensitive topics, while also fostering understanding and empathy.

Imagine if there were a way to successfully integrate comedy into school curricula across America. The effects of such a move, if done correctly, could prove to be utterly profound.

Benefits of a Comedy Education

Integrating comedy education into school curricula could help cultivate creativity, empathy, critical thinking and communication skills among students. The empathy point is key, as, just like laughter, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another also appears to be in short supply. Numerous studies have demonstrated that humor is linked to intimate interpersonal connections and is effective in alleviating stress, thereby promoting empathy. Teaching comedy in schools could help students develop a nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives and cultivate empathy toward others.

Furthermore, comedy encourages creativity and critical thinking by challenging conventional wisdom and inviting individuals to see the world from alternate viewpoints. In a time defined and dominated by insular bubbles and online echo chambers, alternate viewpoints are the very things that we need. We don’t have to agree with them, of course. But we should, at the very least, be receptive to differing opinions.

By analyzing various comedic techniques, from setups to punchlines, and dissecting humor, students could enhance their problem-solving abilities and develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities of language and communication.

Moreover, studies in neuroscience have demonstrated that humor triggers the brain’s dopamine reward system, which plays a crucial role in goal-oriented motivation and long-term memory. Educational research further suggests that appropriately utilized humor can enhance retention among students across all levels of education, from kindergarten to college. In other words, comedy doesn’t just help people become better communicators and better memorizers; it helps create better students.

How To Teach Comedy

The “why” might be obvious, but it raises the rather important question: How can we actually teach comedy? This is not an easy question to answer. After all, there is very little humor in teaching, and most teachers do not moonlight as stand-up comics. Nevertheless, there are practical strategies for teaching comedy that can be implemented—rather easily, I should add.

First off, students could be introduced to the historical and cultural contexts of comedy. Teachers could incorporate lessons on the history and cultural significance of comedy across different societies and time periods. For example, high school students could be given lessons on the comic lectures of Mark Twain and the cultural significance of Monty Python. Students of all ages could also learn how comedy reflects societal values, challenges authority and addresses pressing issues.

Those equipped with the fundamentals could study the art of deconstructing comedic elements such as timing, wordplay, irony and satire. Students could also be encouraged to think critically and analyze comedic texts and footage of various performances, in an attempt to understand the techniques employed by comedians.

Comedy is, at its core, a form of creative expression. Schools could provide students with ample opportunities to experiment with comedic writing, improvisation and performance. By encouraging them to develop their comedic voices and explore different styles of humor, from stand-up comedy to sketch writing, schools would challenge students to develop original content, think for themselves and move their minds in new, previously unexplored directions.

Going back to the empathy point for a minute, an effective comedy curriculum would encourage students to consider the perspectives of different characters in comedic scenarios and reflect on the underlying messages and themes. For those concerned about the possibility of offensive humor finding its way into classrooms, teachers could assist their students in engaging in discussions about the ethical responsibilities of comedians and the potential impact of comedy on individuals and society. Students could also be encouraged to think critically about the line between humor and harm and to develop ethical guidelines for comedic expression.

Integrating comedy education into schools across the country has the potential to offer numerous benefits to students and society as a whole. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, empathy and communication skills, a comedy education would help prepare students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and compassion. Moreover, as comedy is a universal language, teaching it in schools can promote the healthiest form of inclusivity, by highlighting the voices and perspectives of all citizens. By celebrating the rich heritage of comedic traditions from around the world, not just the United States, schools could create a more expansive learning environment—one that genuinely values cultural diversity.

Incorporating comedy education into schools is not just about teaching students to be funny; it’s about equipping them with the skills and brainpower to navigate a rapidly changing world with resilience, understanding and creativity. By embracing the transformative power of comedy, schools would be helping to cultivate a new generation of critical thinkers, thoughtful leaders and compassionate citizens. Surely, as the country flirts with the idea of an all-out civil war, the idea of creating more humorous, open-minded citizens is something we should all support. Let’s shorten the distance between each other. Let’s learn to laugh again.