The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Humour is the capacity to express or perceive what’s funny, and is both a source of entertainment and a means to cope with what is difficult and awkward. Stressful situations often make for good environments that nurture humour, provoking laughter. Whether the joke is lighthearted or absurdly provocative, humour plays an important role in forming social bonds, releasing tension and attracting others.

You may have a favourite comedian, icons of humour. Why they are so special to us goes beyond words, but one similarity appears constantly, and that is that comedians often violate our expectations. Humorists look to culture, political orientation and many other factors to find and weave a story of humour, to make you laugh at yourself, others and circumstances seemingly out of your control.

Well President Zelenskyy was once a comedian and actor in the Ukraine, making his nation laugh at itself for many years. Zelenskyy spent his time spinning benign violations and proposals against the Ukraine and Russia's elites, proposing harmless yet also threatening humour in a political satire that went far beyond his nation’s border. The Ukrainian people have been going through a multitude of stressful decades, living beside an Empire Building neighbour who did not hide their aggressive imperialism at all. Humour helps to relieve stress, but also to educate and strategically point out the errors of one's political enemies. Russia attacked Ukraine, and everyone stopped laughing. Even to this day, while the Ukrainian Forces seem to be achieving some success on the battlefield, the President of Ukraine can make jokes. He shows willingness to take risks while making jokes, while being sensitive of how his actions and humour are perceived by friend and foe alike.

Remember that humour advertises a romantic intelligence, a trait that often attracts one person to another. Many comedians are charismatic, attracting others to themselves and their cause. Why is it a good thing that President Zelelnskyy is a man of humour? Perhaps being humorous may cushion the emotional blows of a trying time such as war, terror and national siege. The Humourist can bring the family, neighbourhood and nation closer together. This man has ignited increased social support domestically and internationally while improving his people's ability to rethink many distressing situations into more positive opportunities. The humourist has the ability to develop a social radar that connects the population as a whole.

Humour succeeds or fails depending on the audiences' preferences and sensibilities. Zelenskyy knows his people. The President shows a powerful humility to all, humility that cultivates empathy to the cause, relatedness as a nation. Humour is a dynamic tool that communicates feeling and intention. President Zelenskyy and His People intend on achieving victory.

Remember, humour is based upon conflict. Conflict tears down, transforms and challenges its participants.

STEVEN KASZAB

Bradford,

Ontario, Canada,

September 26, 2022.