Ethnic Identification and the Perceived Humor and Rudeness of Ethnic Jokes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the humor and offense within ethnic jokes. College students from introductory and intermediate communication courses at a large southwestern university were solicited to respond to a questionnaire containing three different sections. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) was employed to assess the degree of ethnic identity. The Humor Orientation Scale in the second portion measured sense of humor and the third section required the participants to rate ethnic jokes on funniness and rudeness targeted at Americans, Asians and Latinos. A MANOVA was used to discover any significant differences between the ethnic groups. Results indicated that people with high senses of humor showed less offense and more humor toward ethnic jokes. No significant findings were discovered regarding how ethnic groups perceived jokes directed toward their own cultures. Limitations and suggestions for future research are presented in the discussion section. Two kids were talking in the playground. The first kid says: “My mom is from Ireland and my dad is from America, so I guess that makes me an Irish American.” The second kid says: “Well, my mom is from Iceland and my dad is from Cuba, so I guess that makes me an ice cube” (Wiseman, 2002, p. 155). Is this joke considered funny? Ethnic jokes, a form of humor, have been both accepted and widely used in America not only to distinguish cultural differences, but also to help people identify with their ethnic identity. For centuries, humor in the broadest sense has been conceived in every form imaginable. Ethnic humor, defined as humor in which “perceived behaviors, customs, personality, or any other traits of a group or its members by virtue of their specific sociocultural identity” are scrutinized, has cleverly found its way into mainstream American culture (Apte, 1987, p.180). Even more so, Apte (1987) suggested that various aspects of humor have become a core value in America. Often times, having a sense of humor is characterized by the ability to take a joke directed against oneself, which may or may not be