How The Rise of Dark Humor Promotes Controversial Coping
At the 2024 SLO Comedy Festival, comedian Alex Hooper was labeled as the most notable act by “blending dark humor with silly, unapologetic positivity” as his description on the show’s site states. Despite the numerous acts and comedians that took the stage, audiences were most drawn to the controversial comedy form that Hooper displayed. More notably, Hooper’s popularity spans larger than local. He was one of the most famous comedians in show attendance, having appeared on America’s Got Talent, Comedy Central and headlining at comedy clubs in over 30 states. Dark humor has emerged from its underground domain both locally and globally, but what made such a controversial form of comedy, and the performers who practice it, become so favored over the last decade? Alex Hooper, shown here on America’s Got Talent , was the featured act at the 2024 SLO Comedy Festival ( NBC) Sometimes criticized for being insensitive or inappropriate, dark humor is a comedic practice that typical...