In the early seventies and early eighties there was a legendary and sometimes very controversial television series called "MASH" which stood for "Mobile Army Surgical Hospital". The series was the sequel to the highly successful film of the same name. In both cases the story revolved around a group of doctors and nurses and supporting cast who ran a field hospital in Korea during the Korean War, 4077 MASH. The characters were lovable, goofy, relatable, and endearing to viewers. However, the show has not been without recurring controversies. Everything from anti-war sentiment to adultery to alcoholism was addressed during his broadcast on national television. A controversial issue that surrounded the show on a recurring basis was that of comedy in a surgical unit where blood, guts and pain were commonplace and in an environment where many felt attitudes and behavior should have been more serious. Specifically regarding relationships between men and women, (Doctors and Nurses) and superiors and subordinates. The jokes, sexual innuendos, practical jokes and surgical room humor were all part of the series' appeal. In any case, whatever side of the controversy you fall on, "MASH" was hugely successful and has maintained a huge following. While some characters were simply blatantly against the war, some were pro-military and attempting to maintain some degree of military bearing and discipline in a world of chaos. The other part simply accepted the situation and accepted daily existence in whatever way was necessary to overcome it. At the center of the most controversial topics was Alan Alda who was Hawkeye Pierce, a small-town surgeon. ..... middle of paper ...... literally debilitates a person if they are not equipped to handle it accordingly and maintain the ability to put it into perspective. The humor that prevailed in the operating room (OR) in “MASH” is no different than that which occurs in dozens of civilian emergency rooms around the world during critical moments. It is the humane way of dealing with the situation and is in no way intended to be disrespectful to the victims or subjects of violence and also does not reflect an understanding of the gravity of the situation. Rather, it is a real human response to tragedy that allows us to function. It is the means of distancing oneself from the situation in order to accomplish one's mission or task and provide life-saving measures without allowing one's mind to be overwhelmed by horror. Laughing long, laughing loudly and laughing often is truly the best medicine.