Fat Jokes and the Problem of Parody

Sarah W. Hirschfield

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Chapter 7 Fat Jokes and the Problem of Parody

In: Philosophy of Humour

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Sarah W. Hirschfield

Sarah W. Hirschfield
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 113–128

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004548817_009

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Abstract

This chapter asks why fat jokes are so prevalent, why they matter morally, and what can be done to limit their harm. It begins with an analysis of the interpretive ambiguity of humour, or the ambiguity surrounding who the ‘butt’ of the joke is (e.g., your mom, suburban women, Americans, etc.). Fat jokes are comedically fruitful, I argue, because they trade heavily on this ambiguity. Fatness signifies other funny traits, such as stupidity, sloppiness, or overindulgence. I introduce the problem of prejudice creep – when a socially acceptable prejudice (e.g., fatphobia) is exploited in the service of a relatively socially unacceptable one (e.g., sexism). I explicate and defend this concept using a parody of a doll commercial as a case study. I consider possible solutions to the problem, including the use of self-deprecating humour, drawing a moral line between fat jokes and racist jokes, and the development of so-called ethical humour. I find these solutions wanting. The chapter concludes by considering how and why morally-suspect parodies and comedy in general should persist despite their potential for harm.

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Philosophy of Humour

New Perspectives

Series: Value Inquiry Book Series, Volume: 389

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004548817

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 04 Jul 2023

Subjects
- Philosophy
  - Philosophy of Mind
  - Anthropology

Front Matter

Part 1 Humour and the History of Philosophy

Part 2 New Theoretical Contributions

Part 3 Humour, Morality, Feminism and Politics

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Chapter 7 Fat Jokes and the Problem of Parody

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Philosophy of Humour

New Perspectives

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