"Humor and laughter have a devastating effect on every cult of personality": Reactions to Vučić's admonition of "journalists from Šolak's media."
During the last conference on economic measures, Aleksandar Vučić warned journalists from "Šolak's media" – N1, Nova, and Danas – not to laugh while he was speaking. Sources from Danas agree that the attempt to ban laughter is a sign of the government's insecurity and fear of criticism.
Dragana Rakić, Deputy President of the Democratic Party, states that this attitude towards journalists reveals the insecurity of the authorities.
“People who are afraid of laughter are insecure in themselves and dangerous to their surroundings. The latest economic plan by Vučić evokes ridicule among economists, journalists, and ordinary citizens. It is clear to everyone that this is not a plan for economic improvement, but a clumsy marketing effort where drawing on a board attempts to hide the truth that the emperor is not only naked but has also fallen from his throne. Corruption, crime, and non-functioning institutions are destroying the living standards of citizens. Those responsible for this even try to ban a smile, as a smile signifies resistance, meaning that people do not take them seriously. That is what they fear the most,” Rakić points out.
Nenad Milosavljević from Njuz.net reminds us of the president's tendency to present himself as “always serious.”
“The president claims to have always been serious, and he also emphasizes that he is not a humorous person, as we saw from the fact that 'Kontravizija' was his favorite comedy show. He generally does not like laughter and good humor, and he despises such things almost as much as rest and going on vacation,” he underscores.
Milosavljević adds that Vučić’s reactions to ridicule resemble his attitude towards his own associates.
“If he even suspects that someone is laughing at his miraculous economic measures, that person can easily end up like his party colleagues, to whom he has said, 'Silence there!', 'Nothing is funny to me!' and 'Turn off that phone; I don’t want to hear another phone call!'. He has effectively banned even basic human reactions.”
Veran Matić, Chairman of the ANEM Board, emphasizes that humor and laughter are destructive to any cult of personality.
“Autocratic rule, bureaucratic simulations, and manipulations. The witty—those with spirit—erode totalitarianism. The smile of a rebellious Serbia, optimism, and hope are the greatest threats to a government that puts gloomy, forced, and coerced individuals in the forefront,” Matić adds.
Matić states that journalistic questions are not only prevented but are somehow also prohibited.
“A ban on laughter would be the next level of (futile) repressive activities. But history shows that it is impossible to force people not to laugh. It is an instinct of freedom and a sign that the government is losing touch with reality,” Matić concludes.
As a reminder, at a press conference regarding the presentation of the new economic plan, Vučić addressed journalists who laughed during his presentation.
“Don’t laugh, you from Šolak’s media,” Vučić said, adding that the situation in Serbia is too serious for ridicule.
Source: Danas
