Inappropriate Laughter

Inappropriate laughter in always very striking, and I saw a good example of it this week that I wanted to share with you, my readers.

In this video, at time marker 2:53, you will see an older woman by the name of Wanda talk about her daughter’s murder. Before she speaks, she fight off deep laughter. She grins, even snickers as she holds back the laughter, and yet she is talking about her daughter’s murder. It’s amazing to see.

What do you make of this laughter?

Click here to read my thoughts.To me, this inappropriate laughter does NOT raise any alarm bells. I don’t know this woman and I don’t know what ultimately happened in her daughter’s case, but Wanda’s laughter is truly and deeply surrounded by genuine pain and anguish. When she laughs, notice the confusing body signals she sends out? She looks up, as if to get away. She even shakes her head like “no”! She is having a battle of mind over body here.

Clearly what is happening to Wanda is that she is profoundly overwhelmed and emotionally confused. She is having a horrible time accepting the reality of what has happened. She has moments of pure denial and disbelief. It is precisely this conflict of being unable to accept her reality, yet knowing the truth, that caused Wanda to react the way she did in my opinion. She is having an emotional battle at a level we rarely see, but we know exists. Hence, the confusion comes out like a short circuit of insane laughter. It’s absolutely fascinating to watch and in no way resembles duper’s delight–not even for an instant!

Do you see the difference?