Political humour is highly popular material because it is something everyone can easily relate to.
Politicians are popular public figures so anyone can identify with them to get a good laugh. The public generally blames government for everything, whether the reasons it has to do so are sensible or not. Politics is a good source of humour – even when the economic downturn is practically crashing down on everyone around the world, people still get a kick out of political humour.
What’s good about this type of humour is the fact that it is able to address whatever political issue is at hand. Everyone identifies with an issue, that’s why political jokes are highly popular. They inject amusement into pressing issues without regarding the whole thing as an attack on a particular politician or statesman. It is rather more of a personal observation of the character traits prevailing in the political arena seasoned with a little comedy and wit. In some other instances, there lies beneath the surface some intent to bring forth as issue and initiate change or action on the part of the political subject.
Societies who are able to enjoy political humour should consider themselves lucky.
This is the legacy of a free society. There are certain countries and cultures around the world where political ribbing is totally banned. Government controls all forms of media so citizens are not allowed to pull a little fun from the political scenarios.
Political humour is a manner by which arrogance and hubristic tendencies of those who are in power may be prevented from taking shape. Citizens have the right to speak their minds, and one way to vent this out effectively is through political humour. With politicians tending to become too egotistical or overbearing at times, comedy has been the most effective vehicle that indirectly exposes issues and concerns to the general public.
Politics, like entertainment will always be favourite material for comedy and humour. The general population feels a connection to it and its popularity is best described by George Bernard Shaw when he said, “The problem with political jokes is that they get elected.”
