Laughter Makes the World Go Round

From Medina: Or so it would seem in the European Union.

A friend passed this article from a German news site on to me today. The general idea is that the level of ridicule between countries in the EU corresponds to how much they have bonded and grown to accept each other as a group of nations living and working together. Even in the article, it says, "Academics say that such jokes usually only target nations with which the teller is familiar."

Of course, there is a difference between lighthearted jabs and full-on cruelty. For example, the article makes light of the long-standing uneasiness between Austrians and Germans, which leads to some pretty harsh quips. However, the article goes on to say that these jokes can be interpreted as a sign that the EU is becoming more integrated and generally more comfortable in its own skin. Rather than acting as a force that singles out certain groups, this kind of humor--when used between all countries--seems to be acting as a social glue.

I thought it was an interesting read because, although there are many different types of humor, this is something to which almost everyone can relate. For example, stand-up comedians always make jokes and tell anecdotes about people in their lives who are just a little different in some way. I've even heard it said by a few comedians that "if we're not making fun of you, we haven't accepted you." Even on a more personal level, those with siblings can probably relate to the times spent exchanging jabs about past events (e.g., having braces, saying something ridiculous to Aunt Melba on Christmas morning, etc.). Regardless of the level of sibling rivalry, there is still a complex bond that both confuses and amazes those on the outside.