British author George Orwell is well-known for his books "Animal Farm" and "1984", which are well-known for their critical analysis of totalitarianism. Additionally, he wrote essays that frequently explored the intricacies of politics, language, and social issues.
Orwell's observation regarding filthy jokes provided one of his key insights into humor. He saw these jokes as a subtly defiant act against authority figures and social conventions, rather than merely a kind of amusement. Such jokes allowed people to challenge established power structures while expressing their discontent with the status quo in a non-political manner.
Think of society as a big garden that is carefully tended to by stringent laws and guidelines. To make sure that no plants grow outside of the approved paths or color schemes, the authorities in charge of this garden are always patrolling it. In such a setting, people may use filthy jokes as little acts of rebellion against the established order, like tiny weeds that grow between sidewalk cracks.
Orwell argued that humor can be a potent instrument for resistance and social commentary. Since dirty jokes frequently involve breaking taboos and subverting expectations, they inevitably challenge and criticize social norms regarding authority, morality, and individual freedom. Sometimes censorship and public backlash that could result from more direct forms of protest can be avoided with this indirect criticism.
According to this perspective, people can express their disapproval through crude jokes without necessarily endangering their safety or future employment. When everyone else is talking loudly about what they're supposed to say, it's like whispering secrets in the dark.