Comprehending Humor: British and American Styles

A population of over 300 million people is boiled down to a single sense of humor. Should such a vast expanse of humanity share the same sense of humor? The mainstream humor in both the United States and the United Kingdom is different, and this difference can be both challenging and intriguing. As a British person, I hold a nuanced perspective on humor and recognize the unique qualities of both nationalities' comedic styles.

British Humor and its Adoration

British humor is renowned worldwide and is appreciated by sophisticated American citizens. It has a reputation for being intelligent and sophisticated, often favoring wit over physical comedy. Yet, it is surprising to note that my fellow Brits and I still hold back on certain aspects of our national humor. While comedy like The Office or Peep Show is adored, there are certainly moments that make us cringe. Humor is subjective, and it is this subjectivity that contributes to its charm and variation.

Comparing American Humor to British Humor

All humor, whether British or American, has its strengths and weaknesses. It is not easy to pinpoint where American humor falls short. Similarly, British humor also has its share of mediocre moments. While British humor is indeed less reliant on slapstick and more intellectually engaging, both nations are capable of producing high-quality content. Take, for example, an American comedian who had me in stitches with his dry, witty delivery. Despite the humor being as understated as his bones, it was undeniably effective. Here is one of his jokes to illustrate the point:

"I went to my Doctor for arthritis in my neck. He did an examination and the good news was I don’t have arthritis at all. The bad news is that I have Early Onset Rigor Mortis."

The comedian's ability to make a joke resonate on a relatable level, unlike many one-liners, might be why it stands out. This kind of humor is a testament to the power and complexity of British and American comedy.

The Perception of Rudeness in American Humor

There is often a perception that American humor is more rude or brash than that of the UK. The dry, sarcastic humor that is a staple in sitcoms and talk shows is sometimes seen as a snobbish disregard for subtlety. In my opinion, this perception may be partly accurate. Many American comedies rely heavily on shock value and brashness to get laughs, which can be off-putting. Despite this, there are American shows that I genuinely find funny, such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, and American Dad. These shows balance shocking and satirical elements with relatable, character-driven humor that resonates deeply.

The Role of Canned Laughter in American Comedy

A consistent critique of American humor is the use of canned laughter. In many American comedy shows, the audience's response is pre-recorded and added to the show, which can be jarring if the timing is off. This is particularly noticeable when watching recordings of funnier shows or during playback. The presence of canned laughter can detract from the live performance and diminish the authenticity and quality of the humor. This is a stark contrast to the more naturalistic approach often seen in British television, where the audience's response is either spontaneous or edited in a way that maintains the integrity of the performance.

Personal Preferences and Exceptions

While I have my preferences, I cannot deny the impact of certain American comedians who have transcended borders. Robin Williams and George Carlin are two exceptional comedians whose humor has stood the test of time. Unfortunately, they are no longer with us, which leaves a void in the entertainment industry. The quality of British comedy is generally higher, with a more forgiving hit/miss ratio. This means that when a British comedy succeeds, it often hits harder, and when it fails, it's more noticeable. In contrast, American comedy has a higher proportion of mediocrity, which is harder to discern.

Concluding Thoughts

Humor is a deeply personal and cultural phenomenon, and differences in style and preference are natural. Whether American humor or British humor resonates with you depends largely on your sense of humor, cultural background, and personal experiences. What is important is recognizing that both styles have their merits and that the best humor is often found in its ability to connect with the human experience in meaningful ways.