Cultural Differences: Humor

Back in the day I remember watching a TV show called Candid Camera. I recently discovered that there is a show (maybe more than one) like that here in Brazil.

There is a huge difference, though, and it is in the response of the prank victim (or prankee). The ones I have seen in the US—and some from Britain as well—the prankee may not be very happy with the prankster, but they either just walk away or find some other way to diffuse the situation.

By contrast, the reaction of the prank victim here is violent. The reaction is no different between men and women. Angry punches and pushing are frequent in these videos.

Of course, the pranks are a little different; humor in Brazil is quite a bit different than it is in the US. The actors may push things further too, but I am not sure about that (It has been a very long time since I saw this type of show in English.).

It is an interesting thing to see, but it makes me kind of sad. Sad because it says something about the culture here, either: 1) People here are so on their guard about being hurt (physically, emotionally, or personal pride) that when they find that their wall of personal space has been compromised they react with abuse. Or, 2) the culture here is so violent that people walk around on their guard all the time—they expect violence.

Of course, it could be a combination of the two.

While that is not where my thoughts end on this issue, I need to quit writing now and start working, so I would love to hear your insights on this.

[composed and posted with ecto]

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