Why It's Important to Laugh at Yourself

What is the connection between humor and truth according to the text?

• Humor is a way to deceive people

• Humor is only for entertainment purposes

• Humor is completely unrelated to truth

• Humor often involves telling a truth that others won't state

Why is it important to be able to take a joke according to the text?

• To avoid being laughed at

• To indicate that you are above everyone else

• To show that you are perfect

• To demonstrate the ability to transcend foolish limitations

What role do comedians play in society according to the text?

• They are only there for entertainment

• They are tyrants who control the hierarchy

• They point out the flaws of the powerful and signal the ability to transcend frailty

• They are irrelevant to society

What is the significance of the fool or trickster in relation to the savior according to the text?

• The fool is a precursor to the savior due to their ability to transcend limitations

• The fool is irrelevant in society

• The fool is a hindrance to societal progress

• The fool is superior to the savior

Why are comedians compared to canaries in the coal mine according to the text?

• Because they are sensitive to societal issues and changes

• Because they are small and insignificant

• Because they are loud and obnoxious

• Because they are always in danger of extinction

What is the ecological role of the trickster in a hierarchical society according to the text?

• To maintain the status quo

• To challenge the hierarchy and create chaos

• To take over the hierarchy

• To point out the flaws of the powerful and reduce tension in the hierarchy

What did Bill Cosby do during his performance in Edmonton according to the text?

• He danced on stage

• He told satirical stories about himself and his family

• He performed magic tricks

• He sang opera

Why was a comedian in Quebec charged by the human rights commission according to the text?

• For being too serious

• For not being funny enough

• For challenging the powerful through humor

• For following all the rules

What does the ability to transcend frailty signify according to the text?

• It signifies weakness

• It signifies strength and wisdom

• It signifies ignorance

• It signifies arrogance

What is the relationship between the jester and the king/queen according to the text?

• The jester is subservient to the king/queen

• The jester is equal in status to the king/queen

• The jester can challenge the king/queen but cannot be punished

• The jester is above the king/queen