Week 3 Culture

        The comedy sketch performed by Hugh Laurie on the BBC channel pointed out some interesting aspects of British culture and their perspective on American culture. This sketch is obviously not necessarily indicative of what ALL people belonging to British culture find funny or what they think of Americans. However, it can be used as a sort of snapshot reference into how Americans may be perceived in Great Britain, and how humor can be conveyed there. In this sketch Hugh Laurie attempts to imitate what seems to be most likely an American country singer. He has a sort of somewhat southern accent, a very patriotic outfit and a song that only says three words; ‘America’ and ‘the States’. This may suggest that British view American culture as being extremely patriotic and perhaps even overly zealous about their patriotism. It also suggests that the British may view American (country) songs as lacking substance and being overly repetitive. 

      The end of the sketch occurs when another actor comes in and shrugs as if to say “he asked for it” and punches Hugh Laurie (the patriotic country singer) in the face, ending the song. The audience seems to enjoy the end of the skit which could convey their appreciation for simple or uncomplicated humor such as this sketch that conveys a lot of meaning with just a few words and one large gesture. Although after watching some of the other skits where many puns and figures of speech were used to convey the humor, I doubt that simplistic sketches are their main source of comedy. This ending to the skit also may have reflected how some British have felt towards certain American country singers when they hear their songs. It is unclear whether the sketch is making fun of American culture in general or a specific sect of American culture; that is the American patriotic country music culture. 

    Often humor tends to be an oversimplification or generalization of some stereotype or aspect of culture to make something seem humorous. Many comedians do this to make their skits/ comedy routines funnier and more entertaining for the audience. Culture is much more complicated than what comedy often reveals. For example, many Americans are extremely patriotic, but dislike songs -- similar to the one Hugh Laurie sang -- that they might perceive to be pandering. All cultures are complicated and have many diversities within them which is why it is always interesting to see what the general stereotypes or generalizations are for that culture. This skit is definitely revealing as to what some British people may think of as American culture.