Standup comedy, humorous TV shows, and ‘fake news’ broadcasts put current events through the satirical wringer, persuading us to laugh at political leaders, cultural icons, our enemies, and ourselves. Humorous discourse allows us to discuss controversial topics like race, class, gender, religion, and politics in a non-threatening manner. However, humor also has the ability to marginalize and stir violence as we witnessed after the killings related to Charlie Hebdo in Paris and the Mohammed cartoon crisis in Denmark. With a special focus on Denmark and the U.S., we explore how humor can reflect cultural norms and values, instigate change, challenge authorities, marginalize, and empower.
Ph.D. on European religious satire (Art and Cultural Studies, University of Copenhagen, 2021). Curator, Frederiksberg Museums, 2012-2014 and 2021-2024. Lecturer, Art and Cultural Studies, University of Copenhagen, 2013-2020. Critic, Weekendavisen, since 2015. Playwright, Black/White Theater, 2016-2018. Postdoctoral scholar, Art and Cultural Studies, University of Copenhagen, 2021-2024. Director, European Cultures of Laughter (research group at Centre for Modern European Studies), since 2023. Advisory board member, Democratic Literacy and Humour (EU-funded research consortium), since 2025. With DIS since 2016.
Mette Møller
PhD. (Humor and Rhetoric, University of Copenhagen, 2018). HR Manager, Zacco, 2018-present. With DIS since 2023.
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