Abstract
In this essay, drawing on the research of Elizabeth and Jay Mechling we focus on the politics of joking and examine the ways in which jokes and joke-telling serve complex political ends. To do this, we provide examples from focus groups, interviews, and popular culture. We attempt to draw lines between those jokes that contribute to a toxic racial environment and other jokes, referencing secondary racial characteristics, that have the potential for creating an integrated community of laughter.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 299-321 |
Number of pages | 23 |
Journal | Western Folklore |
Volume | 69 |
Issue number | 3-4 |
State | Published - Jun 1 2010 |
Keywords
- Civil society
- Humor
- Joking
- Politics
- Popular culture
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cultural Studies
- Anthropology
- History
- Visual Arts and Performing Arts