Ethnic “Jokes” and Humor Can Be Considered as One, Essay Example

Ethnic “jokes” and humor can be considered as one of the means by which ethnic and racial stereotypes are perpetuated within society. Such jokes incorporate misconceptions of particular groups, and play off these misconceptions. Since these jokes are believed to be humorous in their intent, they seem to be non-threatening. However, the danger of such humor lies in the fact that ethnic jokes are symptoms of some of the deeper ideological beliefs that society hold. To the extent that ideology by definition is largely unconscious, laughing at ethnic jokes means that some of these prejudices have been engrained into the individual human psyche on an unconscious level.

Accordingly, while some of these jokes at first glance may seem funny, on a deeper level they are indicative of stereotypes that are unfortunately a part of the notion of society as a social construct. These jokes do not resort to any truth to make their point, but rather rest upon basic prejudices that inform members of society. In this regard, they are jokes that are manifestations of the social construct itself.

For this reason, ethnic jokes can be considered as a normal function of any social construct, while at the same time pointing to some of the negative aspects of this same construct. Their effect on society is to deepen the prominence of prejudices within a society. Moreover, they contribute to the marginalization of some groups within society, as the target of the joke is viewed as different from the norm. In this manner, the jokes function as a means of excluding a member of society from this very same society, to the extent that they are viewed as an Other. Such jokes can be said to hinder or event prevent a fully integrated society that is founded on basic human rights, such as equality, because such humor thrives on creating difference.