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Q: Do the Chinese ever laugh at themselves? (3-in-1 question)
I know the Chinese have a sense of humor, but I'm not altogether clear on one particular form of humor: self-effacing humor. You know, the sort of thing we tend to do back in the States when we put ourselves down, laugh about it, sometimes sheepishly, and sometimes with goofy Homer Simpson-like guffaws. I guess we do it to show humility or prove to others that we we're just normal schmucks.
And that begs the second question: What is the predominant form of Chinese humor? Is it sight gags a la Benny Hill or Mr. Bean, "punny" stuff like Groucho Marx, outrageous, don't-miss-a beat George Carlin, or deadpan Steven Wright-like?
And finally: What about "political" humor? Exist in China?
Just wondering...
9 years 42 weeks ago in Culture - Other cities
Yo, homies! Serious question (or 3), okay?... No haters, bashers, flamers, mashers, or guys who go by their "real" names on this board allowed! (Ha ha!) Oh! And no weirdos like that sick f*ck, Siting, a few days ago. Man, what a stone-cold drag he/she/it was!
The Sinica Podcast (google it) had a show a couple of weeks back about humor in China, it will answer some of your questions. Last Friday was about domestic violence and child abuse, that will NOT answer any of these questions.
Red_Fox:
Hmmm... I will do that... google... However, violence and abuse aren't funny as I'm sure you would agree. I guess, in order for me to appreciate the unique mindset and +/- parameters of what is funny and what isn't funny amongst the Chinese, I would need some clear-cut answers to my questions. Perhaps, Chinese users of this board would like to contribute some insights?
Thanks, Scando, for the reference. Will check it out.
Scandinavian:
the abuse and violence is certainly not funny, it is almost to the point where it can make a grown man cry, but the podcast differs a lot from week to week on what topics are talked about, and only once has it been about humor.
My girlfriend used to laugh at MASH, until she realised it was set in the Korean War...
My wife does all the time.
Generally though, I don't think it's done. I had one really good Chinese friend that we all liked. One night when we were out I noticed he got very standoffish, so I asked him what was wrong. What had happened was all my friends had gotten used to him and liked him, so they did what we all do in the west with people we like: We made fun of him.
So, I had to explain to him that in our culture when you're good friends with someone you exchange insults and jabs as a sort of sign of friendly affection. After that he was cool and even got into himself a bit.
The Chinese never laugh at themselves for one simple reason: The Chinese are incapable of laughter. It is a scientific fact that Chinese people are deficient in the laughter gene, and lie, cheat, and steal because they are afraid that someone will tell Crimochina that he has a small penis, and all Hell will break loose, and i'm bored, and do you fancy a drink, and I think i'm gonna go masturbate.
I posted a Parody ego a few weeks back
for sh*ts and giggles
but it got harmonized after 2 posts
So I guess I am suppose to apologize for hurting Chinese feelings
Like that will ever happen 
I'd like to see those two guys that are always pointing at me and giggling, turn to see themselves and point at each other and fall over laughing.
Self-effacing; not in my experience, even my wife who after 9 years together is as 'westernised' as mainlanders get, doesnt 'get' that type of humour.
General humour, love sight gags, slapstick, Mr Bean, but also in Chinese they see 'word play' as very clever and oft times very funny, (I have to take their word for that as my Chinese is abysmal.)
Political humour, perhaps in the 'detention centres' it may be popular, just before the electric enemas! 
Red_Fox:
Word play! Although I don't know the language, I'm certain that it is rich in puns, irony, double entendre, and ambiguities. Wish I knew. Wish I knew...
If you ever get on Weibo you'll be amazed at how much sarcasm and mockey there is which in my view disproves all the "Chinese don't get sarcasm" calls. Self-deprication, that's another thing. Agree with Hugh about the slapstick part - and whenever I try to show Chinese friends shows like The Office, Alan Partridge, Fawlty Towers and Peep Show, which revolve around the idea of pathos and self-deprication, then they don't quite get it and label it awkward. Though I've had a similar experience with some Americans.
My university students get my humor and frequently laugh at their own mistakes or mishaps but they are quick to tell me that their parents may not see the humor in it. They say their parents are ultimately concerned with the all-important "losing face concept" which prohibits them from laughing at themselves.
This concept, in my opinion, is one of the most important beliefs that limits this whole country from moving forward. That, and how easy it is to "hurt their feelings". 
