While most people's experiences with humor indubitably do not involve high volumes of chemistry, my life is loaded with humor experienced as a result of organic chemistry. More than likely, this results from the fact that I take more hours of chemistry than any other subject, spend the majority of my day in the Chemistry department, and associate myself with many fellow science nerds. From the unfortunate laughter resulting from knowing that you made a horrific mistake on your take home quiz to roaring laughter due to lab work, I always seem to be laughing about chemistry.
Last week, the identity of our first unknown compound was due in organic chemistry lab. For many students, this was a time of incredibly high stress levels and constant anxiety attacks. Luckily, I had already turned in my lab report the week before, leaving me stress-free. During our biweekly Chemistry Club meeting, several people voiced their concerns about lab that week, more than likely just increasing the stress levels of everyone in the room. After the meeting, my friend looked up at our faculty adviser, Dr. Green and asked if she believed in her. Dr. Green proceeded to give my friend an uncomfortable look, remained silent, and walked out of the room. My friend tensed up and let out a laugh of discomfort, while I let out an incredibly loud belly-laugh at her expense. In retrospect, I feel like a terrible person for laughing so hard at my friend's pain and anxiety at that moment.
After this incident occurred, my friend and I went to talk to Dr. Green about lab and what just happened, and Dr. Green apparently did not even hear my friend's initial question after Chemistry Club. This eased the tension of my friend a little, but she was still not too happy with me because of my overreaction to the humor in that situation. While she laughed out of discomfort, I laughed because I was not in her situation and it initially appeared as though Dr. Green felt the same way. While the intent of my laughter was not malicious in nature, it was perceived as such by my friend, and she confronted me for intellectually subordinating her. I immediately felt terrible about the situation, although I could not control my laughter at the time. This situation brought out the negative side of humor as discussed in class and displayed it in a real-life scenario.
Austin I have been in the same situation before. Not quite with the teacher in the mix but similar none the less. Its hard not to laugh in that situation. I don't think it makes us bad people though. Maybe people who need to be a bit more careful about our laughter. But how often do your friends laugh like this as well? I think it really depends on the level of friendship. It seems you both have a very good relationship. I happen to do this with some of my best friends.I looking back on it to need to see the negative sides but I don't feel like an awful person when it happens and neither should you. This negative humor is a part of our lifestyle therefore it is hard to break from.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good response. Your situation and laughter are both interesting.
ReplyDeleteAustin, this is so great! I have totally been in a situation like that of your friend's. There is nothing worse than getting what you believe to be a negative reaction from someone. The worst is when you are forced to think about it for long periods of time. I do not blame you one bit for letting out a little chuckle! I am so glad everything got cleared up between your friend and the teacher.
ReplyDeleteI bet the rest of the class got a kick out of this situation as well. Also, I applaud you for getting your work done early! I bet that felt great to be in class and not be stressing like the rest of your classmates! You are representing the honors college well. Thank you for the funny post! I can't wait to read some more of your posts!
I don't think I can say that I have ever laughed with abandon as a result of organic chemistry. My AP Chem class in high school was with only two other people, and we had great fun at our teacher's expense. Or, more often, two of us would have fun at the other's expense by not showing up to class. I wasn't there, and so I can't say for certain, but it seems to me like your professor overreacted about thinking you overreacted. If that makes sense. You just keep doing you!
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