Question

A culture's values can be mirrored by its humor.Humor has been evaluated by many great minds such as Thomas Hobbes,who,in"On Nature",disliked humor,"Laughter is nothing else but sudden glory arising from sudden thought of feeling far better than others."He thought humor to be a negative quality of human narrow-mindedness.

However,Mordechai Gordon,PhD of Education,insists,"Humor allows us to view the world from an angle that is amusing rather than serious."I agree with Gordon.Learning to look at the world through humor is important.

In the United States,every four years an election occurs.Without humor as a way to express their feelings,how would Americans be willing to support the election?Television shows like "The Daily Show" have become important parts of American culture.They are mothering the masses by unconsciously inputting politics into our mouths.They make politics fun.

Of course, politics is only one type of humor.Social humor helps people through the twists and turns of the human condition.American pop culture promotes an unhealthy self image.On the topic of self-image,Hari Kondabolu stands out.He has a joke about the popular musical group "The Pussycat Dolls",describing their hit song "Don't Cha" as a negative representation of women.He points out an obvious offence in American culture.

A study from Loyola University of Maryland has shown that humor is one determining factor for selecting a mating partner.Amongst other things,mates look for an outstanding funny bone in a potential partner.

Of course,humor is not always used for good purposes.Humor can be linked to vulgarity（粗俗）and racism,but, like everything else,it has potential to unite human beings by allowing us to laugh at ourselves,our failures and our connection with one another.

Though life may seem tough and depressing at times,all I have to do is look in the mirror at my increased wrinkles（皱纹）to know that there is a comedy out there that even Chaplin wasn't aware of.

With that in mind,remember to laugh with humanity and sometimes at humanity.

1.Hobbes believes that humor_______.

A. resulted in narrow-mindedness of human beings

B. was only a way to laugh at others to make oneself feel better

C. had the power to mirror personal glory and national values

D. was for people to view the world from another angle

2.What is the author's attitude towards political humor?

A. Worried B. Disappointed

C. Curious D. Appreciative

3.The fourth paragraph is developed mainly______.

A. by process B. by example

C. by comparison D. by classification

4.What can we learn from the last two paragraphs?

A. Chaplin wasn't aware of being laughed at

B. The author feels helpless and sad about getting older

C. Never be the one who laughs at other people

D. The author is determined to face life with a sense of humor.

Answer 1