Towards a better understanding of racist and ethnic humor
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Michael Cundall,
Abstract
This paper argues for a broader understanding of racist and ethnic humor (or blason populaire) that takes into account research from areas in folklore studies, philosophy and psychology. It argues that part of the general view that racist and ethnic humor is thought to be problematic comes from a conservative reaction by researchers focusing on racist and ethnic humor in the United States. Since the arguments against racist and ethnic humor are broadly consequentialist in nature, it takes issue with the evidence for such claims. Further, it is argued that not all racist and ethnic humor has negative outcomes and that some certain forms are not so problematic as one might initially expect. The paper then shows that the consequentialist view does not evenly apply to all forms of racist and ethnic humor despite their claims that all forms of racist and ethnic humor are blameworthy.
©[2012] by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Masthead
- The ancient roots of humor theory
- A festivus for the restivus: Jewish-American comedians respond to Christmas as the national American holiday
- Towards a better understanding of racist and ethnic humor
- The self-promoting playful pen in graphic and literary rhino-caricatures
- Book reviews
Articles in the same Issue
- Masthead
- The ancient roots of humor theory
- A festivus for the restivus: Jewish-American comedians respond to Christmas as the national American holiday
- Towards a better understanding of racist and ethnic humor
- The self-promoting playful pen in graphic and literary rhino-caricatures
- Book reviews
