Jeri Al-Jeri

Forever, laughter is the most raw and uncanny of all human emotions that can only be compared to its polar opposite. Sometimes it can be hurtfully honest, and at times it is the best medicine. But what made some Arabian tribes consider it to be a bad omen? Is it a sign of unprofessionalism? What do scientists and wise men and women think about our daily giggles?

Pr. Sophie Scott of UCL, shared her thoughts about laughter. Her years spent in the discipline of neurology have led her to conclude that laughter is very simple and most sophisticated at the same time, because it is always chained with a plethora of social signals. It can be read as affiliation affirmation or an evil form of humiliation. She also stresses that toddlers acquire the skill of spontaneous chuckle to "kick-start" a seemingly endless cycle of pleasurable action and reaction between the child and her caregivers. Nonetheless, it is debatable to label this explosive and uncontrollable expression of amusement to be a "skill" that can be perfectly implemented. The older we get, the more complicated and cerebral this relationship gets.

Our hardwired brains are programmed to release these temporary cardiovascular efforts and noticeable phonological articulations to express laughter.

Salam will seem "crazy" if his face strangely morphs while his belly vibrates like a cell phone! And Samira will not get the "treatment" she desires from her peers and colleagues if she shrills like a cat in an untimely manner. They will both suffer from the anxiety of calculating the chances of being excluded, even if their brain secreted painkiller hormones called endorphins during their laughter.

What appears to be a normal everyday light hearted trait can get even more complex when scientists admit how easily we can both simulate laughter and scan the sincerity of it.

Due to this, highly sensitive social integration of tribal members, humor cannot easily be welcomed for its potential awkwardness. Therefore, any attempt to be "funny " without validation is considered unpleasant. Due to this scenario, an un-Islamic myth  found its way in the hearts and minds of Arabian households. Fortunately for comedy, the more independent a modern day individual get the less tribal-dependent he gets, causing laughter to be "cheaper" by the minute.

With a warm smile we can quote Milton Berle "Laughter is an instant vocation". While others quote "Laughter is the best medicine. But if you laugh without a reason, then you need a doctor."

By Jeri Al-Jeri