In the early 1970s and early 1980s, there was a legendary and sometimes very controversial television series called "MASH" which stood for "Mobile Army Surgical Hospital". The series was a sequel to the hit film of the same name. In both cases, the story revolved around a group of doctors and nurses and supporting cast who operated an advanced field hospital in Korea during the Korean War, 4077 MASH. The characters were adorable, laughable, affable and endearing to the viewers. However, the show has not been without recurring controversy. Everything from anti-war sentiment to adultery to alcoholism was discussed during its broadcast on national television. A controversial issue that surrounded the series on a recurring basis was that of comedy in a surgical unit where blood, guts and pain were the order of the day, and in an environment where many felt attitudes and behavior would have should have been more serious. More specifically with regard to relationships between men and women (doctors and nurses) and between superiors and subordinates. The one-liners, sexual innuendos, pranks, and operating room humor were all part of the show's charm. Either way, no matter which side of the controversy you were on, "MASH" was hugely successful and maintained a huge following. While some characters were openly anti-war, others were pro-military and attempted to maintain a certain degree of military bearing and discipline in a world of chaos. The other side just adapted to the situation and accepted daily existence in every possible way to get by. At the center of the most controversial topics was Alan Alda, who was Hawkeye Pierce, a small-town surgeon. ..... middle of paper ......e and literally debilitate a person if they are not equipped to handle it accordingly and maintain an ability to put it into perspective. The humor that was prevalent in the operating room (OR) in “MASH” is no different from that which occurs in dozens of civilian emergency rooms around the world during critical times. This is a humane way of coping and is in no way intended to disrespect victims or subjects of violence nor does it reflect an understanding of the seriousness of the situation. Rather, it is a genuine human response to tragedy that allows us to function. It is the way to distance oneself from the situation in order to accomplish one's mission or task and take life-saving measures without letting one's mind become overwhelmed by horror. Laugh long, laugh loud and laugh often, it really is the best medicine.