Politics and humour

Politics has played out in parliaments, on daises and on the streets, but taking it online and on social media has been a new phenomenon. But what’s even more intriguing is seeing politicians use their social media accounts in a humorous fashion. While there are several who do it abroad, including Canadian politician Norm Kelly who makes rap references on Twitter, Indian politicians have been fairly to the point for far too long. However, Rahul Gandhi, who has started to use humour in his tweets, this week joked that his dog Pidi was behind his funny tweets. And the funny reactions it generated shows that maybe it’s time to add humour to social media politics. We speak to social thinkers and politicians if public personalties should take on a lighter vein online, to make themselves more appealing.

‘It is a necessity for a politician to be funny’
Kiruba Shankar, Social Media Expert
I think it is essential for any public figure these days to use social media to get in touch with the masses directly. For a politician, it was a choice but now I think it is a necessity. It is a good tool to let people know about the activities they are doing, to keep people updated and also for crisis management and clearing the air about any rumours about them.

I think it is great because most of the youth are active on social media; using humour is a good idea. Barack Obama, for example, participated in a lot of funny debates, stand-up shows and more and created a good aura. People should get to see the politician’s personality as it is and not just a serious individual. I welcome using sarcasm and humour in social media platforms!

‘A joke like this helps in building a positive image’
Karunesh Talwar, Stand Up Comic
It was a cool move by Rahul Gandhi — we don’t have politicians with a sense of humour. I think politicians should be able to take criticism and a guy who can take joke on himself is at least showing signs of taking disapproval. If a joke is made about them they should not be angry, which is how political parties tend to respond.

By putting such a joke, it helps in building a positive image. What it does is, show people that politicians are people and are capable of having a laugh. I would be really interested to see Lalu Prasad Yadav tweet. Honestly, if I am ever bored I just watch his videos of him in Parliament.

‘Humour shows a more humane side of the politician’
Kavitha Reddy, Politician
I think laughing at oneself is the best kind of humour there is. One, of course, it is humorous, and second, it lightens up the topic. Humour shows a more humane side of the politician.

Trolls crop up due to the negativity many politicians put out. So if you are able to put something in a lighter note, you aren’t dealing with as much negativity. Ever since the 2014 election, the atmosphere of political discourse has become so low it disgusts you as a politician.

You have to express your opinions but there are some things that you can put out on lighter note. Although there are many I think I would like to the Karnataka chief minister, S. Siddaramaiah showing his humorous side since he can come across as intimidating.

‘One doesn’t have to force humour on themselves’
V.P Chandran, LDF Leader, Kochi
Humour is always good for a politician to build a rapport with people. But if a person tries to consciously break his image of a serious man to a funny guy, it might have a negative impact. Each person has a basic nature, body language and style; it might not be appealing for everyone. But if their intentions are aimed at a public cause, they will definitely earn a place in people’s heart. They don’t have to force humour upon themselves.

Moreover, in the process of creating an image of what they really aren’t, they might blurt out jokes in the wrong situations and might make a fool of themselves. So, I feel, it is always better for politicians to project their real selves and not try to be funny if they can’t do it.

‘Such Statements always garner eyeballs’
Khaleeq Ur Rahman, Politician
Social media is useful to express ourselves, especially things that we normally can’t say up front. In fact, I’d rather vouch for legislators who can express and highlight problems with good humour. Statements with humour always garner eyeballs, and social media also brings out your expressive side.

‘I would love to see manmohar singh put out tweets’
Neeti Palta, Stand Up Comic
Anyone who has a sense of humour gives me hope, especially when it is a politician. Look at Barack Obama and his correspondents’ dinners. I wasn’t on the same page as Jaya Bachchan, when she voiced her objections against poking fun at parliamentarians in 2014. It broke my heart. A sense of humour also shows wit and intelligence.

I think Lalu Prasad Yadav is funny. I would love to see the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh put out witty tweets for a change. I would love to see him fight back.