The Role Of Humor In Canadian Culture

Words: 672
Pages: 3
Open Document
Humor has long been used as a way to bring people closer together. Jokes not only connect individuals through amusement, they display real intellect and social depth, acting as commentaries on our own cultural reality (Behnke-Cook, 2015). Across cultures, jokes function as both integrative mechanisms and boundary maintenance mechanisms. Meaning, the structure of a joke can either be intended to be inclusive or exclusive towards its audience. Cultural barriers often result in boundary exclusive humor, where individuals belonging to a different culture do not ‘get’ the joke being made (Jack Clarke, 2012).
Humor also allows people to approach sensitive issues, while keeping the energy light by using the joke as a safety valve, addressing …show more content…
This is clearly portrayed in one of comedian Don Kelly’s joke: [when asked if he celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving] “Yeah the European guy that lives next door came over and claimed he discovered the place…now he lives there. But don’t worry, he put a spot on reserve for me beside the cat’s litter box.” (Don Kelly). While receiving plenty of laughter from the audience, Kelly uses the theory of social conflict by addressing the serious topic of historic Native Canadian tribes being forced off of their land.
Native Canadian and Caucasian Canadian societies function differently through many elements, including customs and traditions of the people. Whether it is a joke about a “redskin suitcase” being a garbage bag (Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew), or humor addressing native symbols, Native Canadian comedy is largely directed inward, as self-exposure. On the other hand, ‘white’ humor is most often directed towards other groups, taking the form of more malicious, advantaged jokes that talk ‘down’ to other groups (Drew H. Taylor,
Show More

Related Documents: The Role Of Humor In Canadian Culture

Essay on Sicko and Moore

Dawli 10 Elias Dawli Wrt­105 Professor Bollinger December 12, 2010 SiCKo: The Thought­Provoker Michael Francis Moore is a controversial American filmmaker who has directed numerous documentaries. These documentaries have taken a large spectrum of popular American issues and reduced them to one: capitalism. His most popular cinematic works include Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, Capitalism: A Love Story, and most­notably, SiCKo. With…

Words 2853 - Pages 12

An Introduction to Intercultural Communication Essay

An Introduction to Intercultural Communication Intercultural communication is of importance to international businesses as it examines how people from different cultures, beliefs and religions come together to work and communicate with each other. Demands for intercultural communication skills are increasing as more and more businesses go global or international. They realize that there are barriers and limitations when entering a foreign territory. Without the help of intercultural communication…

Words 29173 - Pages 117

Jetblue Airways Starting from Scratch Essays

Southwest. But he didn't fit the culture. Herb can't fire a living soul so after he talked to David, David and I discussed why this particular marriage would not work!6 Though disappointed, Neeleman did not drop out. Having signed a five-year non-compete agreement with Southwest as part of the Morris Air sale, he turned to developing anew reservations system called Open Skies (sold to Hewlett Packard in October of 1998). Neeleman then went on to work as a consultant to a Canadian low-fare start-up carrier…

Words 8414 - Pages 34