Potterversity Episode 60: Silly Resistance in Harry Potter

Potterversity Episode 60: Silly Resistance in Harry Potter

On this episode, we examine the relationship between humor and resistance to authoritarianism.

Harry Potter scholar and stand-up comedian Mark-Anthony Lewis joins Katy and Emily to talk about what makes something funny. Benign violation theory says that humor is found in something safe - for example, you can laugh at someone falling if they aren't seriously hurt, and you can tickle someone you know, but not a stranger. It's all about context. It can be especially funny when an authority figure looks ridiculous. Comedians are often viewed as truth-tellers, and a jester - seen as non-threatening - may be the only person who can speak the truth in the presence of the king.

Humor in Harry Potter is often subversive, with Peeves and the Weasley twins as the primary examples, particularly against Umbridge. But humor is not inherently virtuous. Sometimes, pranks can go too far and veer into bullying or unintentionally inspire villains. This applies to the Marauders as well. The power dynamics in a particular situation can determine whether or not a joke is funny.

When employed appropriately, jokes can help fight fear, like when facing a boggart. And what's more frightening than totalitarianism?

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Jaksot(119)

Potterversity Episode 72: Harry Potter and Identity

Potterversity Episode 72: Harry Potter and Identity

Why is it important to read Harry Potter critically?  Katy and Emily talk about bridging the academic and fan worlds with Dr. Julian Wamble, who teaches a course called Harry Potter and Social Identit...

11 Touko 1h 12min

Potterversity Episode 71: Potter Meets Molesworth

Potterversity Episode 71: Potter Meets Molesworth

We're going back to school, and specifically Latin class, on this episode.Dr. Mitchell Parks (Knox College) joins us once again to connect classical studies to Harry Potter, but this time, we're not l...

13 Huhti 59min

Potterversity Episode 70: Harry Potter and the Call for Papers

Potterversity Episode 70: Harry Potter and the Call for Papers

This special episode is a call to join us at our favorite event of the year - the Harry Potter Academic Conference!The 15th annual conference is back in person at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia...

30 Maalis 46min

Potterversity Episode 69: Potter Gets Stranger

Potterversity Episode 69: Potter Gets Stranger

We're entering the Upside Down to compare Harry Potter and Stranger Things following the Netflix series's final season. Spoilers ahead - proceed with caution!Katy, Emily, and producer Laurie reflect o...

9 Maalis 1h 16min

Potterversity Episode 68: When in Doubt, Go to the Library

Potterversity Episode 68: When in Doubt, Go to the Library

We're heading to Hermione's favorite place in this episode: the library!Ian McLaughlin, an PhD student in English who also holds an MLIS, joins Katy and Emily to reflect on libraries and librarians in...

9 Helmi 1h 5min

Potterversity Episode 67: The Best Hope We Have

Potterversity Episode 67: The Best Hope We Have

We're back with another episode recorded live at the 14th annual Harry Potter Academic Conference, which took place online in October 2025.Katy and Emily are joined by several conference regulars—prod...

12 Tammi 58min

Potterversity Episode 66: Back to Wizarding Business

Potterversity Episode 66: Back to Wizarding Business

Why is there a lack of service businesses in the wizarding world? Following up on our earlier episode about magical businesses, our technical director, Emma Nicholson, joins us to continue the conver...

14 Heinä 202541min

Potterversity Episode 65: Potter & Trek Part 2 - The Reality Inside Your Head

Potterversity Episode 65: Potter & Trek Part 2 - The Reality Inside Your Head

We're voyaging out to the farthest reaches of space and into the deepest recesses of the mind for another look at Harry Potter and Star Trek. Potterversity regular Louise Freeman, a retired psycholog...

9 Kesä 202556min

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