Humor
At a glance:
- Series: American Indians Ready Reference
- Categories: Social Science
- Subcategories: Native Americans, American Indians
- Curriculum: American Indian History
- Geographical Location: North America
Article abstract: North American Indian humor, in various forms, pervades various native traditions and serves important social functions
Playfulness, practical jokes, and other forms of humor were—and are—widespread among North American Indians. Lightheartedness might be used as a way of dealing with traditional restraints on expressing emotions. In the controlled setting of a village or family unit, arguments deriving from inevitable tensions could be very disruptive of common order. Conveying one’s point of view through humor rather than contention...
[The entire page is 376 words long]
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