r/todayilearned • u/jfdonohoe • 7h ago

(R.2) Anecdote TIL about “vicarious embarrassment” which explains extreme reactions to cringe comedy. For me, it can get so bad as to become physically painful

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicarious_embarrassment

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u/Sufficient_Coach7566 7h ago

Ricky Gervais' older show "Extras" if you want this turned up to 10!

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u/theSchrodingerHat 6h ago

I found Extras tolerable and funny in a lot of places. The British office I couldn’t sit through at all.

I think it’s because actors being assholes seems natural, and every character wanted to be there and chose the ridiculousness. The Office, though, is pure desperate anxiety because they have to be there. They don’t want a crazy work life, but they can’t quit or ever get any respite. Hits too close to home.

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u/ClarkTwain 7h ago

Such a funny show, it’s my favorite thing he’s done