The SWOFC features many papers on humor, with a focus on what makes jokes funny. A common cultural understanding is necessary for a joke to be understood as well as for the reader, listener or viewer to find humor in the joke. The following images come from Jeffrey Hageman’s “Photocopy Folklore” contribution to the collection which he explains “deal with problems that arise in the workplace” and these problems which arise are “partially assuaged by these humorous documents.” Photocopy humor is not as popular now as it was in 1984 when Hageman collected his materials. Yet, this type of parody continues today in many different forms. For example, the internet meme is a newer way for internet users to commentate on socially constructed beliefs and current events all the while entering the realm of anonymous folklore.
Photocopy Humor
