During the 17th BOOKA Festival in Podgorica, Montenegro, Croatian journalist and author Anto Tomić shared insights into the transformative power of humor. He emphasized that laughter serves as a potent weapon against authority, dogma, and dictatorship. His remarks highlighted the role of satire in dismantling fear and rigidity, particularly in environments where freedom appears to be suppressed.
Tomić reflected on the influence of the Feral Tribune, a publication known for its bold critique of oppressive regimes. He noted, “We cannot overestimate its significance. The way they mocked the dictatorship, how brave and audacious those people were! Laughter wonderfully dismantles rigidity.” He underscored that humor is inherently subversive, challenging established norms and authorities, which often lack a sense of humor themselves.
Literary Perspectives on Laughter as Freedom
According to Tomić, literature also illustrates the importance of laughter as a form of liberation. He cited Umberto Eco’s “The Name of the Rose” and Milan Kundera’s “The Book of Laughter and Forgetting” as significant works that demonstrate this connection. “Laughter is a weapon of freedom, and we know this from literature,” he stated, indicating that these narratives explore the intersections of humor and resistance.
In discussing his career, Tomić described journalism as an excellent training ground for writing. He explained, “Journalism taught me speed and clarity. Everything must happen quickly. Today I wrote an article; tomorrow it will be published, and the day after, it won’t matter anymore.” He emphasized a critical approach to authority, adhering to a personal rule against writing positively about those in power.
“I write about various people who have ‘stolen’ our lives—ministers, generals…” Tomić elaborated, illustrating his commitment to holding powerful figures accountable through his work. His reflections resonate with the ongoing need for critical voices in society, particularly as they relate to issues of governance and freedom.
The event, moderated by Aleksandar Ćuković, provided a platform for Tomić to share his thoughts on the intersection of humor and activism, reinforcing the idea that laughter can challenge even the most entrenched systems of power.
