From Devon Stavrowsky on Quora, a Former Army SF[Green Beret] Medic, Cal [California National] Guard Officer, Retired Cop (1968–2005).
“Dark humor is a way in which people who have to deal with horrors and atrocities anesthetize themselves to them. Because you can’t be effective in what you are doing if you don’t inure yourself to them. In short order you’d just become essentially useless, unable to go back in and deal with the situations that generated the dark humor to begin-with the next time you encountered it.
“You find it among soldiers and commonly among first responders as well. Civilians see horrors on TV or in the movies… read about them in books… but really don’t encounter them much. At least not in this country. And encountering the real thing is very different and profoundly affecting. All you have to do is look at the shock people go into when they occasionally do…. like around a bad car accident or after an earthquake or tornado.
“When you have to deal with that sort of thing on a routine basis, you had better find a way to harden yourself to it, or you’re going to be in trouble… and not able to do your job.
“Dark humor is just such a coping mechanism… and civilians don’t get the joke because they really haven’t been there, and you cannot explain it to people who haven’t been there.
“It’s the same reason cops, after a while tend to hang out only with other cops, and combat veterans are very reluctant to speak of their experiences with anyone not a combat vet. If you haven’t been there… you are just not going to understand… and it cannot be truly explained to you in words that will make you understand. Words can get you sympathy (which is something you don’t want), and maybe respect, but they are never going to convey true understanding.”
Source: Quora.com: “Veterans why do you think civilians get shocked offended or taken aback by the dark humor and mannerisms you’ve developed over your time in the military? Why do you think civilians think the military is nothing other that seriousness?”
And if that doesn't get it through, read on ...
“There’s a reason that dark humor is such a consistent part of the work culture among those who serve in the military, support their communities as first responders or provide care in a hospital setting. Individuals working in these fields, as well as those who share tragic or traumatic experiences, can connect by taking a lighthearted, if a little irreverent, approach to the difficult topics and circumstances they’re forced to confront. Going through difficult times can be isolating, but humor combats that by providing people with shared experiences an opportunity to bond.”
Source: FHE Health Restore, “The Psychology of Comedy as a Defense Mechanism.”
“To many veterans, humor (especially dark humor) is the only accepted coping skill.”
Source: (Written by: Joelle Rabow Maletis, MAED, MA, LMFT & Nick Watkins, MA, LMFT, and edited by Hadley McKinnon. Military Trauma Defused with Laughter: A Path to Post-Traumatic Growth
“Life’s toughest moments often leave scars, whether it’s battling addiction, enduring a divorce, or losing a loved one. Everyone finds their own way to cope. For many of us, humor becomes an unexpected lifeline. It’s not about trivializing the seriousness of these events, but about offering a momentary escape from the heaviness. This allows us to survive and, in time, heal.”
Source: “Using Humor as a Method to Cope with Life’s Trauma: Laughter can be healing,” by Victor Yocco, PhD.
“Military members use dark humor and banter as a coping mechanism for dealing with extreme stress and trauma. This unique form of communication also helps forge powerful bonds, reinforce group identity, and maintain psychological resilience under immense pressure.”
Source: WarriorPoetSupplyCo.com/blog “Why do warriors and first responders need graveyard humor to survive?”
Attack the Intruding Reviewers who lack a micron of respect for the military and war veterans!!! Go get ’em!
Here are the links!
Goodreads for Extinction Level Event, Book One
Amazon for Extinction Level Event, Book One
The link for Zombie by Kat-Jo Jones on Goodreads is coming. Currently, on that hot mess of a platform, there are a ton of website pages for that book, argh. Get your shit together, Goodreads!
Author Katie J. Jones Home 