Humorous Political Stunts and Theory of Nonviolent Action

Abstract

Humorous political stunts are one form of nonviolent action. Taking as a point of departure Stellan Vinthagen’s theory of nonviolent action, this chapter explores how humour interacts with each of the four dimensions of nonviolent action. The strength of humorous political stunts is their ability to temporarily or symbolically break power when pranksters for a moment take control of the political scene. Some types of humorous political stunts are also strong on the aspect of utopian enactment when they demonstrate a future with more room for spontaneity, generosity, love, carnival and fun. Many humorous political stunts, at least compared with a violent alternative, are also oriented towards facilitating dialogue. However, the communicative aspect is not aimed at the “opponent” as envisioned in Vinthagen’s theory but directed towards other audiences. Like most other temporary nonviolent actions, humorous political stunts do show signs of normative regulation, but their shortness prevents them from reaching their full potential.