Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it

Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it

Langston Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, was known for his powerful and thought-provoking words that often shed light on the struggles and injustices faced by African Americans. One of his famous quotes, “Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it,” encapsulates the resilience and humor that many marginalized communities use as a coping mechanism in the face of adversity.

Hughes understood the power of humor as a tool for survival in a world that often denied basic rights and opportunities to people of color. By finding humor in their lack of resources or privileges, individuals can reclaim a sense of agency and control over their circumstances. This ability to laugh at one's own misfortunes can be seen as a form of resistance against the oppressive forces that seek to diminish their humanity.