The Murik society seems to
be a very different and fascinating culture. Clowning is an integral part of
this society. I tried to think of something to compare it to in our society,
and I struggled to come up with an apt comparison. The concept of Mwara kin,
honorary relationships, does not have a direct comparison to our society
either. Mwara kin are ritual and joking partners who are rewarded with food for
their performances. These joking partners play an important part in clowning
and joking. Joking partners are considered family. I envision this relationship
similar to my relationship with my best friend’s family – I am considered their
4th son, and they are my second family.
Clowning and joking are
used to teach children about the community and how to be a part of that
community. It is used to show what it means to be Murik. Clowning is not just
used for children. It is used throughout life. Jokes are used to show status
within the culture. Clowning and joking is also used for life events, such as
the birth of a child or the death of a loved one. This is one area where I can
somewhat find a comparison to our culture – joking is often used as part of the
grieving process. The process of telling jokes, or renacting funny stories
about a loved one is helpful to many grieving individuals.
As I previous stated, the
Muik society is very interesting. I am not sure that my comparisons here are
accurate to the clowning and joking of the Murik people. It seems somewhat
complicated in what clowning is used for, and how it exactly fits into the
society. Some of that confusion, comes from attempting to translate it into
something our culture understands.
Ken Wagner
As an American society I don't think that we incorporate the joking into our everyday social structure as much as the Murik society does. I agree with you that it's so embedded into their culture. In the U. S we have movies and shows that highlight funny real life events. However, the joking is acceptable because of the vehicle that it is delivered through. It's harder to be upset with a person in your real life situation than it is a movie or show that sheds light on your funny situation. This really is a fascinating culture.
ReplyDeleteSubmitted by Jenna Quinn
Ken, your observation about joking at funerals to break the tension is a perfect parallel to the Murik. The description in the article about not laughing too hard because of the closeness of death is exactly the way it is at a funeral when you tell funny stories about the deceased and everyone can smile or maybe chuckle and it really cuts the tension. However, I think you would be shocked if your "honorary father" goosed you- that freedom with each others bodies was something foreign to me but there is a loose parallel in the way that some cultures have much smaller "body bubbles" than we do- they stand closer together and embrace/kiss more often, and with a wider group of people than we do. For instance- in many European countries it is normal to kiss a new acquaintance on the cheek- not an "air kiss" but a hearty buss!
ReplyDeleteI agree Ken, I don't think there is a strong American parallel. I tend to think of the ridiculous uncle in National Lampoon's Christmas. However, individuals who use that type of bizarre humor are usually viewed as inappropriate. Not to mention, there can be a truth to humor that is biting and hurtful. However, the Murik culture does not seem to become offended by any type of joking display.
ReplyDeleteHailey Drescher
Something that you hint at in this essay that I'd like to see you develop further is the idea that humor is a way of defining, negotiating an reinforcing one's place in a family's hierarchy. during one's lifetime, one holds positions of greater and lesser degrees of power, independence, and authority within a family unit. Who is allowed to joke and who winds up as the butt of the joke are ways of both asserting and/or questioning position within a family in both US and Murik cultures.
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