Real World Reflection: Relief Theory & Ralph Wiggum

I have been on a binge watching fest of The Simpsons as one of my goals has been to watch all seasons of the show up until the newest episodes (which honestly has been a looooong ride since there are about a bajillion seasons🤣). I recently watched the crossover episode featuring Family Guy called, "The Simpsons Guy" and this scene stood out to me:

In the scene innocent bystander, Ralph Wiggum, watches on as Peter and Homer begin brawling on the moving bus, which then results in Ralph's nervous chuckle (and a very memeable moment) as he realizes the danger he is in. Ultimately, Ralph ends up being hurtled out of a window as the bus crashes due to the negligence of Peter and Homer to take control of the moving vehicle.

This particular moment in the episode reminded me of relief theory. Relief theory is described as a theory in which humor is utilized as a mechanism by which psychological stress is diminished. Laughter in this theory is a result of the release of psychological tension resulting from such acts as facing our fears, overcoming inhibitions, and releasing nervous energy built up in our everyday life.

In this case, Ralph laughs as a result of the nervous tension he feels about the situation he has found himself in. His chuckle, followed by the line, "I'm in danger", implies the tension he is experiencing and his laughter lends the moment an air of resignation as an acknowledgement of the threat. Since there is no escape from the bad situation, all Ralph can truly do is shrug his shoulders and laugh to make himself feel somewhat better about his chances of survival.

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