 As someone who operates a Web
site dedicated to humorous military videos, images, etc., I have
a personal interest in what military officials consider
offensive, derogatory and/or inappropriate.
My personal opinion is that many funny videos, images, and so
forth, show a humorous, creative spirit that the Air Force
should embrace. Humor helps takes the edge off, especially in
today's high-operations tempo environment.
And military and health experts tend
to agree.
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“Humor is a good stress relief.” --
Defense Department Center
for the Study of Traumatic Stress.
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"The importance of including fun, humor and laughter in your
life cannot be emphasized enough; whether it be telling jokes,
watching comedies together on television or viewing humorous
movies." – an Air Force Family Advocacy Outreach manager at Pope
AFB, N.C.
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“Humor is a wonder stress reducer. Laughter relieves tension. In
fact, people often laugh hardest when they are feeling the most
tense.” – An excerpt from a military publication titled, Stress
Management for Senior Leaders (found on the U.S. Air Force Air
University Web site).
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“Laughter is a great antidote for workplace stress and tedium.
Jokes, humor and teasing all create a light atmosphere in which
teams are formed, friendships cemented, and energy and
productivity increased.” – An excerpt from an U.S. Air National
Guard Equal Opportunity Web site.
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“Have a sense of humor. Sometimes humor can help you look at
stressful situations from a different perspective.” – An excerpt
from an U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations Web
site.
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“One way to deal with that stress … is to add a little bit of
humor.” – An excerpt from a publication found on the Defense
Acquisition University Web site.
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“Humor can significantly reduce stress. Inject humor into your
day and remember to laugh. Surround yourself with people who are
effectively managing their lives and maintaining a positive
attitude and sense of humor.” – An excerpt from an article
titled, Coping with Terrorism,” discovered on the U.S. Coast
Guard Web site.
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“Humor helps you to keep your head clear when you’re dealing in
highly technical information or difficult decisions where
choices aren’t that clear.” That last part sounds like a typical
part of project management to me.” -- Don Seibert, former chief
executive officer and chairman of the board of JCPenney.
-
And ...
Joel Goodman, in one of a number of articles from the HUMOR
Project (the first organization in the world to focus full-time
on the positive power of humor), points out that you need to
take your job seriously ... and take yourself lightly.
At CHairforce.com, we agree. The mission is No. 1, but a
spoonful of humor makes even the military bearable. |
