The Role Of Humor In Canadian Culture

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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
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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,