Laughing Is a Criminal Offence In My Country
The Stifled Giggle.
They say that laughter is the best medicine, but here in my country one can be sent to prison instead of being healed.
Yes, you read that right.
In a country that worships success and social hierarchy, laughter, especially what the authorities deem as “unwarranted” or “disturbing,” is not only a felony but also a threat to the social order.
It all started subtly.
Public statements on “maintaining social propriety” did change into penalties for loud celebrations.
Then, censorship of memes and humorous content that is considered “disrespectful” became tighter.
In fact, a jolly hearty guffaw at the wrong time and the wrong place could put you into trouble.
A Culture of Mute Joy
South Korean entertainment industry is known for being one of the most vivid industries — K-Pop, awards ceremonies, and humorous variety shows.
Definitely, the irony is deafening.
However, these productions not only show a country that is having fun, but the actual reality is much more foreboding.
The urge to make it, the dogged pursuit of academic and professional perfection — they all bring the suffocating environment, where the undisguised, subversive laughter is the revolt.
Do you remember that funny guy Park Ji-Sung?
His caricaturing jokes, that were once respected throughout the country, now are akin to a taboo.
Jokes which are regarded to “cross the line” have also landed him in trouble a lot, a reflection of how little space is left for humor.
Freedom’s Muffled Chuckle
“A freedom to laugh is a freedom to breathe,” as someone might have put it (or, more likely, a comedian who certainly wouldn’t dare to say it here).
In South Korea, it is the freedom that seems to be restricted.
Amidst the circle of friends, the talk is lively but the fear of an inappropriate burst of laughter is always there.
Jokes become secrets that are passed through a whisper, only trusted friends can hear them.
The Internet, which was the place of anonymity and humor before, is now being monitored by the repressive morality squad.
Censorship of memes, accounts suspended for “inappropriate content”, emojis too are under watch.
Thus memes, emojis are under censorship, accounts suspended for “inappropriate content.
The Cost of Smile
The influence of this crackdown on the fines and jailing does not end here.
It kills creativity, silences people to express freely and spreads an atmosphere of anxiety and self-censorship.
Laughing, as a matter of fact, is humans’ natural reaction.
It creates a bond, it is relaxing and it helps us to cope with difficult situations.
Omitting it is the same as denying one of the fundamental human rights.
There are different consequences of the implementation of this policy.
- Mental health professionals believe the rate of anxiety and depression to be increasing.
- Social relations are becoming more awkward and unpleasant.
- Even the companies face challenges, as a society that disapproves of frivolity creates an environment for employees that does not encourage good morale and customers’ satisfaction.
A Hopeful Snicker
But in the midst of this smothering silence there are sparks of hope.
Underground comedy clubs, which are tucked away from the inquisitive gaze, become an impenetrable fortress for those who still have the guts to laugh.
The stand-up jokes, with a low tone voice and an anxious look at the door, are the evidence of the survival of the human spirit which is always in search of happiness.
Online, too, there is a small resistance group.
Satirical webcomics, posted under pseudonyms, ridicule the futility of it all. It’s a dangerous game, but it testifies to the power of humor, even in its most secretive forms.
Maybe a day will come when South Korea will realize the pleasure of laughing again.
Perhaps, the authorities may come to the conclusion that a society which cannot laugh at itself is a society on the edge of a collapse.
Before our time comes, we, the silent laughers, will cling to hope.
We’ll exchange a smiling nod, a subdued chuckle, a glint in the eyes that says more than words.
Because even in the middle of absurdity the human spirit will find a way to giggle, albeit a tiny whisper in the dark.
Keep laughing — keep smiling :)
