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Today and Always: The Role of Jokes in Russian Humor |
| Section: CULTURE / PEOPLES |
| Author: Zinovy Paperny |
| Publication: The world & I online |
| Issue Date: 1/1/1993 |
| Size: 3,936 Words, 22,462 Characters |
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Contemporary Russian society is torn apart by contradictions and conflicts, by ethnic problems and border fights, and by economic uncertainty. But every Russian loves a joke. Jokes make people forget their daily problems and squabbles--at least for a little while. The joke is the Russian everyman's diet staple and favorite entertainment. And each joke is a small mirror of reality, contributing to an expressive and authentic picture of current life.
The new joke is almost a sacred matter. Suppose that you are talking on the phone; the person at the other end is apologizing that he is in a rush and must run, "I'm sorry," you say. "I didn't realize. Well, that's okay, I'll tell you this recent one some other time…."
"What?" asks your friend. "A new joke? Oh, no! Why wait till later?...
. . .
...them is a premiere performance. And the flops are less rare because just one listener means a sellout. Remember the ants who will survive a nuclear holocaust? Jokes can be compared to those ants. The planet is one gigantic anthill, full of jokes that untiredly go about their useful work, day after day. They are noble little creatures, living forever. And their work is necessary for us all.
(812 of 22,462 characters)
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