Racial Comedy Analysis

Based on the analysis of the various participants’ feedback from the focus groups, the authors found that while there are several similarities in opinion between the two races, the most significant results come from the differences. Both races agreed with the very broad statements that racial comedy can be entertaining, that there is some truth to it, and that there is certainly a time and place for it. When these generalizations are broken down, however, there are many distinct differences. These differences are especially clear when broken down further into the three categories the authors used to analyze the participants’ conversation; the tensions between funny and offensive, the tensions between stereotypes and authentic representations, and the extent to which racial comedy can help to
Joking about minorities isn’t as acceptable when it comes from a white person, as they haven’t experienced what they are talking about. By focusing less on jokes that stereotype other people and more on jokes they can directly relate to, blacks form a sort of in-group familiarity. Lastly, whites believe that race should not matter at all, and that the main importance of racial comedy is its ability to facilitate conversation and break down racial barriers. While blacks agree that ethnic comedy is important, they do not think that it is particularly about breaking down barriers; its more about exposing them. In their eyes, comedy should serve as a positive source of education, illustrating the hardships of minorities, and helping to take a role in “black mobilization in equality”. Overall, while comedy may be a pleasant way to relieve a little tension, it has not yet reached a level where it can significantly improve social interaction. With more sociological research, the authors hope racial unity in comedic settings will not be so shallow and