Self-deprecation: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Act of devaluating one's self-worth}} |
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'''Self-deprecation''' is a form of humor where comedians make jokes about themselves or their culture. |
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'''Self-deprecation''' is the act of reprimanding oneself by belittling, undervaluing, disparaging oneself,<ref>{{cite web |title=Self-deprecation |url=http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Self-deprecation |access-date=2010-06-08 |work=The Free Dictionary |publisher=Farlex}}</ref> or being excessively modest.<ref name="dictionary2">[http://personalityspirituality.net/articles/the-michael-teachings/chief-features/self-deprecation/ Self-Deprecation - Personality & Spirituality<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/self-deprecation Self-deprecation | Define Self-deprecation at Dictionary.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It can be used as a way to make complaints, express modesty, invoke optimal reactions or add [[humour]]. It may also be used as a way for individuals to appear more likable and agreeable.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Speer |first=Susan A. |date=2019 |title=Reconsidering self-deprecation as a communication practice |journal=The British Journal of Social Psychology |volume=58 |issue=4 |pages=806–828 |doi=10.1111/bjso.12329 |issn=0144-6665 |pmc=6851542 |pmid=31102414}}</ref> |
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== Purposes == |
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Self-deprecating humor relies on the observation of something negative about the person delivering the commentary. Many [[stand-up comedy|comedians]] use self-deprecating humor to avoid seeming [[arrogant]] or pompous, and to help the audience identify with them. In this way, the use of self-deprecating humor could be seen as an application of the rhetorical concept of [[ethos]]. |
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=== Self-defence === |
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==Comedians using self-deprecating humor== |
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Self-deprecation was recommended by philosophers of [[Stoicism]] as a response to insults. Instead of getting defensive, people should join in by insulting themselves even more. According to the Stoics, this will remove the sting from the insult.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jesper |date=2021-07-20 |title=Stop Seeking Approval: Respond to Insults Like a Stoic |url=https://mindandpractice.com/stop-seeking-approval-respond-to-insults-like-a-stoic/ |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=Mind & Practice |language=en-US}}</ref> It will also disappoint the interlocutor because the person failed to show upset in response to words that were supposed to hurt them, thereby reducing the chance that they will try to upset the person like that again.<ref>{{cite book |first=William B. |last=Irvine |title=A Slap in the Face: Why Insults Hurt—And Why They Shouldn't |publisher=Oxford University Press |location= |date=2017 |isbn=978-0-19-066504-3 |orig-year=2013 |oclc=1004818985 |url={{GBurl|sRIxDgAAQBAJ|pg=PP1}}}}</ref> People prefer self-criticism over being criticized by others.<ref name=":0" /> |
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However, researchers believe it can have an overall negative effect on users. It can result in them feeling that they don't deserve praise and undermining their own authority.<ref name=McMullin19>{{Cite web |first=C. |last=McMullin |title=Self-Depreciation: Why Do We Do It? |publisher=Arcadia University |date=2019 |work=From Backpacks to Briefcases |url=https://www.arcadia.edu/blogs/backpacks-briefcases/post/self-depreciation-why-do-we-do-it |access-date=2022-02-24 }}</ref> |
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[[Rodney Dangerfield]] was well known for his self-deprecating humor in his [[Stand-up comedy|standup]] routines, as evidenced by his famous line "I get no respect." |
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=== Likability === |
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A number of other comedians, including [[Chelsea Handler]], Paolo Alcota, [[Craig Ferguson]], [[Conan O'Brien]], [[ Chris Farley]], [[Chris Tucker]], [[Steve Harvey]], [[Sinbad (entertainer)|Sinbad]], [[Adam Carolla]], [[Jon Stewart]], [[Artie Lange]], [[Dave Attell]], [[Larry the Cable Guy]], [[Woody Allen]], [[David Letterman]], [[Sean Rouse]], Nick Jones, [[Louis CK]], [[Larry David]], [[Ricky Gervais]], [[Jo Brand]], [[Victoria Wood]], [[Zach Galifianakis]], [[Jim Gaffigan]], [[Iain Lee]], [[Dave Hughes]], [[Carrot Top]], [[Johnny Vegas]], [[Brian Regan]], [[Jim Norton (comedian)|Jim Norton]], [[Dave Chappelle]], [[Bob Hope]], [[Bill Hicks]], and, later in his career, [[George Burns]], built much of their acts around their own perceived unattractiveness, weight, age and/or lack of appeal to the opposite sex. |
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Engaging in self-deprecation allows individuals to appear more likable by showing off their flaws and deflecting praise.<ref name=Austin21>{{Cite journal |last1=Austin |first1=Adrienne B. |last2=Costabile |first2=Kristi A. |last3=Smith |first3=Lauren |date=2021 |title=Social judgements, social media, and self-deprecation: Role of information source and valence on trait and favorability judgements |url=https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-75873-001 |journal=Journal of Media Psychology|doi=10.1027/1864-1105/a000299 |s2cid=238075562 }}</ref> People tend to have more negative impressions of individuals who seem boastful and who talk positively about themselves. They are often perceived as arrogant, but this doesn't occur when one describes themselves in a negative way.<ref name=Austin21 /> A person might self-deprecate after achieving something in fear of their accomplishment threatening the self-concept of others. People with higher statuses (i.e., is wealthy, has many accomplishments, are physically attractive) are perceived more positively if they self-deprecate by highlighting their own personal flaws and downplay their successes.<ref name=Austin21 /> |
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=== Politeness === |
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==Uses of self-deprecating humor== |
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In traditional British English culture, self-deprecation is considered to be an element of [[modesty]]. Modesty is considered a [[virtue]], often contrasted to the [[North American]] demonstration of [[self-confidence]], often taken for [[boasting]].<ref name="sara2">{{cite book |author-link=Sara Mills (linguist) |first=Sara |last=Mills |chapter=§ 3.3.4 Self-deprecation |chapter-url={{GBurl|HkY3DwAAQBAJ|p=66}} |title=English Politeness and Class |publisher=Cambridge University Press |date=2017 |isbn=978-1-108-34041-0 |pages=66–68 }}</ref> This is characteristic such as in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, where "[[Vanity|blowing one's own trumpet]]" is frowned upon.<ref name="Debrett's2">{{cite web |title=Self-Deprecation |url=http://www.debretts.com/british-etiquette/british-behaviour/r-s/self-deprecation |access-date=4 May 2014 |publisher=Debrett's |archive-date=5 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405124627/http://www.debretts.com/british-etiquette/british-behaviour/r-s/self-deprecation |url-status=dead }}</ref> In stereotypical English behavior, belittling themselves means appearing polite by putting someone else first.<ref name="sara2" /> |
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=== Comedy === |
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Self-deprecation can also be used to better oneself in social situations, using the intentional lowering of one's social reputation to mask internal arrogance or to seem less threatening in social situations. <ref>[http://www.yoonheekang.net/09.%20Chapter%20III%20Petalangan%20Social%20World.pdf#search=%22Self-deprecation%20social%20relation%22 Social relations in Petalangan society: Person in society]</ref> |
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Self-deprecation is seen as a major component of the comedy of many North American comedians such as [[Rodney Dangerfield]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muresianu |first=John |date=2 August 2021 |title=Liberal Arts Blog — Rodney Dangerfield (1921–2004) and the Art of Self-Deprecation |url=https://john-muresianu.medium.com/liberal-arts-blog-rodney-dangerfield-1921-2004-and-the-art-of-self-deprecation-1256baa28e3e |access-date=November 29, 2021 |website=Medium}}</ref> [[Woody Allen]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Forward |first=The |date=2009-06-10 |title=Is self-deprecation killing Jewish comedy? - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/isno.-self-deprecation-killing-jewish-comedy-1.277679 |access-date=2013-07-01 |publisher=Haaretz.com}}</ref> [[Nathan Fielder]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarah |first=Osman |title=CHATTING WITH: "NATHAN FOR YOU" CREATOR NATHAN FIELDER |url=http://www.younghollywood.com/scene/chatting-with-nathan-for-you-creator-nathan-fielder.html |access-date=November 20, 2016 |website=Young Hollywood}}</ref> [[Don Knotts]],<ref>{{cite web |date=2006-02-25 |title=Don Knotts Obituary: View Don Knotts's Obituary by The Washington Post |url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=don-knotts&pid=16845505 |access-date=2013-07-01 |publisher=Legacy.com}}</ref> and [[Joan Rivers]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Morris |first=Wesley |date=2010-06-20 |title=The many faces of Joan Rivers |work=The Boston Globe |url=http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/comedy/articles/2010/06/20/the_many_faces_of_joan_rivers/}}</ref> |
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== In social media == |
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Self-deprecation can also refer to making negative statements regarding one's own appearance or abilities, such as saying "I'm so fat" or "I'm such an idiot", often with the intended result that their friends tell them that they really are not. Statements and patterns of behavior such as these may indicate [[Self image|self-image]] or [[Self esteem|self-esteem]] problems. |
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Since the rise of social media, self-deprecating humor has become increasingly popular on certain [[social media]] platforms such as [[Instagram]], [[Twitter]] and [[TikTok]], especially among [[Generation Z|Gen Z]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2016-05-25 |title=Antisocial network: how self-deprecation is taking over the internet |url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/25/antisocial-network-how-self-deprecation-is-taking-over-the-internet |access-date=2022-02-24 |newspaper=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Zizzo |first=Kira |title=How Self-Deprecating Humor has Defined the Mental Health Issues of Gen Z in an Alarming Way |url=https://rockmediaonline.org/3041/opinion/how-self-deprecating-humor-has-defined-the-mental-health-issues-of-gen-z-in-an-alarming-way/ |access-date=2022-02-24 |website=the Rock Online}}</ref> This phenomenon can also be observed among millennials who find satisfaction in self-humiliation.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Self-deprecation on social media: for expression or for likes? |url=https://www.queensjournal.ca/story/2017-03-10/editorials/self-deprecation-on-social-media-for-expression-or-for-likes/ |access-date=2022-02-26 |work=The Journal |publisher=Queen's University |date=2017}}</ref> Self-deprecating jokes frequently mention feeling dead inside, having a mental illness or people blaming themselves for anything bad that happens in their life.<ref name=McMullin19/> These posts tend to be more popular because it allows users to not feel alone in not being able to live a perfect life.<ref name=":3" /> According to the American Psychological Association, 91% of Gen Z between ages 18-21 in the last month have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress. This statistic is the highest rate ever recorded, demonstrating the increase of mental health issues that Gen Z experiences. In return, users turn to self-deprecating [[Internet meme|memes]] on social media to cope.<ref name=":4" /> |
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Social media can be public yet personal and has norms most users follow to avoid being criticized. These types of self-deprecating jokes can let people feel free from the pressure of needing to appear perfect. It lets users display their less-desirable traits or habits while preventing feelings of embarrassment.<ref name=":5" /> |
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Boasting on social media, just like in real life, is often perceived negatively and is another reason why users gravitate towards self-deprecation to appear more likable.<ref name=Austin21/> People also tend to like a person more if positive information about them is presented by a third party rather than from themselves, even if it is the same information. Furthermore, using self-deprecating [[hashtags]] allow individuals to be perceived as less arrogant and more humorous.<ref name=Austin21 /> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[ |
* [[Guilty pleasure]] |
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* [[Ingratiation]] |
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* [[Peer pressure]] |
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* [[Self-criticism]] |
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* [[Self-hatred]] |
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* [[Embarrassment|Social awkwardness]] |
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* [[Toxic positivity]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{Reflist|30em}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
{{Culture-stub}} |
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[[Category:Conformity]] |
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[[fr:autodérision]] |
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[[Category:Ego psychology]] |
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[[he:התבטלות]] |
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[[nl:Zelfspot]] |
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[[ja:自虐ネタ]] |
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Latest revision as of 02:21, 5 November 2024
Self-deprecation is the act of reprimanding oneself by belittling, undervaluing, disparaging oneself,[1] or being excessively modest.[2][3] It can be used as a way to make complaints, express modesty, invoke optimal reactions or add humour. It may also be used as a way for individuals to appear more likable and agreeable.[4]
Purposes
[edit]Self-defence
[edit]Self-deprecation was recommended by philosophers of Stoicism as a response to insults. Instead of getting defensive, people should join in by insulting themselves even more. According to the Stoics, this will remove the sting from the insult.[5] It will also disappoint the interlocutor because the person failed to show upset in response to words that were supposed to hurt them, thereby reducing the chance that they will try to upset the person like that again.[6] People prefer self-criticism over being criticized by others.[4]
However, researchers believe it can have an overall negative effect on users. It can result in them feeling that they don't deserve praise and undermining their own authority.[7]
Likability
[edit]Engaging in self-deprecation allows individuals to appear more likable by showing off their flaws and deflecting praise.[8] People tend to have more negative impressions of individuals who seem boastful and who talk positively about themselves. They are often perceived as arrogant, but this doesn't occur when one describes themselves in a negative way.[8] A person might self-deprecate after achieving something in fear of their accomplishment threatening the self-concept of others. People with higher statuses (i.e., is wealthy, has many accomplishments, are physically attractive) are perceived more positively if they self-deprecate by highlighting their own personal flaws and downplay their successes.[8]
Politeness
[edit]In traditional British English culture, self-deprecation is considered to be an element of modesty. Modesty is considered a virtue, often contrasted to the North American demonstration of self-confidence, often taken for boasting.[9] This is characteristic such as in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, where "blowing one's own trumpet" is frowned upon.[10] In stereotypical English behavior, belittling themselves means appearing polite by putting someone else first.[9]
Comedy
[edit]Self-deprecation is seen as a major component of the comedy of many North American comedians such as Rodney Dangerfield,[11] Woody Allen,[12] Nathan Fielder,[13] Don Knotts,[14] and Joan Rivers.[15]
In social media
[edit]Since the rise of social media, self-deprecating humor has become increasingly popular on certain social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, especially among Gen Z.[16][17] This phenomenon can also be observed among millennials who find satisfaction in self-humiliation.[18] Self-deprecating jokes frequently mention feeling dead inside, having a mental illness or people blaming themselves for anything bad that happens in their life.[7] These posts tend to be more popular because it allows users to not feel alone in not being able to live a perfect life.[16] According to the American Psychological Association, 91% of Gen Z between ages 18-21 in the last month have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress. This statistic is the highest rate ever recorded, demonstrating the increase of mental health issues that Gen Z experiences. In return, users turn to self-deprecating memes on social media to cope.[17]
Social media can be public yet personal and has norms most users follow to avoid being criticized. These types of self-deprecating jokes can let people feel free from the pressure of needing to appear perfect. It lets users display their less-desirable traits or habits while preventing feelings of embarrassment.[18]
Boasting on social media, just like in real life, is often perceived negatively and is another reason why users gravitate towards self-deprecation to appear more likable.[8] People also tend to like a person more if positive information about them is presented by a third party rather than from themselves, even if it is the same information. Furthermore, using self-deprecating hashtags allow individuals to be perceived as less arrogant and more humorous.[8]
See also
[edit]- Guilty pleasure
- Ingratiation
- Peer pressure
- Self-criticism
- Self-hatred
- Social awkwardness
- Toxic positivity
References
[edit]- ^ "Self-deprecation". The Free Dictionary. Farlex. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ Self-Deprecation - Personality & Spirituality
- ^ Self-deprecation | Define Self-deprecation at Dictionary.com
- ^ a b Speer, Susan A. (2019). "Reconsidering self-deprecation as a communication practice". The British Journal of Social Psychology. 58 (4): 806–828. doi:10.1111/bjso.12329. ISSN 0144-6665. PMC 6851542. PMID 31102414.
- ^ Jesper (2021-07-20). "Stop Seeking Approval: Respond to Insults Like a Stoic". Mind & Practice. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
- ^ Irvine, William B. (2017) [2013]. A Slap in the Face: Why Insults Hurt—And Why They Shouldn't. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-066504-3. OCLC 1004818985.
- ^ a b McMullin, C. (2019). "Self-Depreciation: Why Do We Do It?". From Backpacks to Briefcases. Arcadia University. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ a b c d e Austin, Adrienne B.; Costabile, Kristi A.; Smith, Lauren (2021). "Social judgements, social media, and self-deprecation: Role of information source and valence on trait and favorability judgements". Journal of Media Psychology. doi:10.1027/1864-1105/a000299. S2CID 238075562.
- ^ a b Mills, Sara (2017). "§ 3.3.4 Self-deprecation". English Politeness and Class. Cambridge University Press. pp. 66–68. ISBN 978-1-108-34041-0.
- ^ "Self-Deprecation". Debrett's. Archived from the original on 5 April 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
- ^ Muresianu, John (2 August 2021). "Liberal Arts Blog — Rodney Dangerfield (1921–2004) and the Art of Self-Deprecation". Medium. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
- ^ Forward, The (2009-06-10). "Is self-deprecation killing Jewish comedy? - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper". Haaretz.com. Retrieved 2013-07-01.
- ^ Sarah, Osman. "CHATTING WITH: "NATHAN FOR YOU" CREATOR NATHAN FIELDER". Young Hollywood. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
- ^ "Don Knotts Obituary: View Don Knotts's Obituary by The Washington Post". Legacy.com. 2006-02-25. Retrieved 2013-07-01.
- ^ Morris, Wesley (2010-06-20). "The many faces of Joan Rivers". The Boston Globe.
- ^ a b "Antisocial network: how self-deprecation is taking over the internet". The Guardian. 2016-05-25. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ a b Zizzo, Kira. "How Self-Deprecating Humor has Defined the Mental Health Issues of Gen Z in an Alarming Way". the Rock Online. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ a b "Self-deprecation on social media: for expression or for likes?". The Journal. Queen's University. 2017. Retrieved 2022-02-26.