What is the purpose of mockery?

Discussion in 'Off Topic [BG]' started by slobake, Jul 16, 2013.

  1. slobake

    slobake resident ... something

    What am I trying to accomplish when I mock and make fun of another person. Here are some possibilities.

    1.I might just be having a good time with a friend. I send friendly darts his way and he fires them back. This can be a lot of fun and I have a good time teasing my friends. I do this a lot with my wife as well. When I do this it is important to know my audience.

    2.I could be trying to prove a point. Mockery is not an effective method to do this. Those who agree with me might enjoy it but if I mock the beliefs and/or ideas of someone else for this purpose it can end a productive discussion and cause division.

    3. I could be trying to humiliate someone. If that is my purpose then mockery is a good method. The next question of course is why would I want to humiliate someone. It could make them angry or cause them pain or both.

    4. Maybe I am just trying to entertain and/or impress my friends at the expense of someone else. Maybe the person I am talking trash about is not around. Someone I had a lot of respect for once became much smaller in my eyes when I heard him mocking a very sweet women who was struggling to get by as a single mother with two teenage children.

    I have done all of these things but lately I am asking myself why.
     
  2. I think why depends on purely context and situation.

    Mockery is a form of sarcasm.

    Mockery is a form of comedy.

    Mockery is a form of derision.

    You list all of these things.

    It really depends on situation and usage.
     
  3. 1958Bassman

    1958Bassman

    Oct 20, 2007
    Could be just to amuse yourself. As long as nobody else (the target) hears it, fine. As soon as the target hears it and is affected, not so fine.
     
  4. bluesblaster

    bluesblaster

    Jan 2, 2008
    everyone needs a hobby
     
  5. neo 7

    neo 7 The bass player doesn't get a sandwich Supporting Member

    Aug 22, 2011
    Erie, PA
    Mocking someone is a failsafe for when you can't think of a good comeback. Always makes bystanders laugh, which gives the impression of quick wit, and in turn makes you the victor in a verbal duel.
     
  6. DaveDeVille

    DaveDeVille ... you talkin' to me ?? Supporting Member

    Ot93ujR.jpg

    :D
     
  7. elgecko

    elgecko

    Apr 30, 2007
    Anasleim, CA
    I will not be mocked!
     

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  8. slobake

    slobake resident ... something

    Hey wait a minute, are you guys mocking me? :bag: :p
     
  9. It's a fun dance to do with your hands and feet! Oh wait... that's the macarana. Nevermind.
     
  10. I love a bit of the old banter mockery. A bit like wrestling. Entertaining, good exercise, and nobody really gets hurt. But mockery from a self-righteous standpoint? Nah!

    paulie
     
  11. MatticusMania

    MatticusMania LANA! HE REMEMBERS ME!

    Sep 10, 2008
    Pomona, SoCal
    The purpose of mockery is to get a laugh at anothers expense.
     
  12. To make yourself feel superior. This need typically stems from insecurity.
     
  13. slobake

    slobake resident ... something

    classy.jpg
     
  14. bassinplace

    bassinplace

    Dec 1, 2008
     
  15. Bloodhammer

    Bloodhammer Twinkle Twinkle Black Star

    Jul 7, 2009
    Shreveport, Louisiana
    It's funny until someone gets hurt.

    Which was what used to always happen to me when I mocked my ex.
     
  16. EricF

    EricF Habitual User

    Sep 26, 2005
    Pasadena, CA
    My wife wields mockery like a weapon - a very sharp weapon that cuts to the bone.
     
  17. Ziltoid

    Ziltoid I don't play bass

    Apr 10, 2009
    Canada
    nelson.png
     
  18. ProgRocker

    ProgRocker

    Mar 25, 2011
  19. slobake

    slobake resident ... something