Appropriate or Inappropriate Humor in American Culture
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Today’s video answers a question about humor.
“Can you please talk about what kind of humor is appropriate or inappropriate in American
culture?”
It’s no secret that across different cultures, there will be things that are acceptable and
unacceptable for humor. Aside from culture, there are also personal preferences that determine
what you do and don’t find funny.
Here are some general guidelines on what is safe and what can be considered dangerous.
Let’s begin with some dangerous subjects.
Race
Religion
Region
These can be referred to as, ‘The Three R’s’
Do your best to avoid The Three R’s.
Let’s move on to the topics that are generally okay in American culture.
Self-Deprecation
Sarcasm
Irony
When you are self-deprecating, that means you’re making fun of yourself. Everyone has made
fun of themselves, so this type of humor is very relatable.
Using sarcasm is incredibly common in American culture. It is basically just emphasizing
something that isn’t true.
For example, if it is storming outside you’ll be using sarcasm if you say, ‘What a beautiful day’.
Irony is the description of clever or unexpected events occurring.
Let’s say you were just talking about how much you enjoy the sunshine. Suddenly and storm
comes. That would be ironic.
Be sure to use these categories of humor in small doses. There can be too much of a good thing.
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