Defense mechanisms! What does the term "Defense mechanism" exactly mean? A defense mechanism is an unconscious process that tries to reduce/displace the anxiety that erupts in association with instinctive desires (id) or situations that are perceived as harmful to the "self". This understanding of a defense mechanism found me looking at "Humor" as a result of one's defenses. Humor today is often used to attack or subtly criticize others and is occasionally seen as offending rather than as sheer humor. This confusion is honestly justified. The problem we have is identifying the intent of the person sharing his "bit", and that of the audience. Let me call on stage- Sarcasm & exaggerations to help us understand this better. Today's humor is built on sarcasm, which makes a considerable part of sublimation. 'Sublimation' in layman terms is a defense mechanism one uses to express negative thoughts held in a much more socially acce