Laughter is a whip that keeps us in line. It’s horrible to be laughed at against your will. Either you suppress unwelcome laughter or you start controlling it.

Social dynamic theory is philosophy, not politics. There can’t be only one correct answer, or there would only be one book.” Sharon L Reddy, Worldcon, 1995.

Majority decisions tend to be made without engaging the systematic thought and critical thinking skills of the individuals in the group. Given the force of the group’s normative power to shape the opinions of the...