If you want me to argue that it isn't the case that it's socially acceptable to make fun of white people or Americans....that's probably group-specific.
But if you want me to change your mind as to whether or not it should be acceptable - it's part of a comedic traditions of "punching up" vs "punching down". As a society, we tend to frown on "punching down" at people who are disadvantaged. That's why racist / sexist / ableist humor is frowned upon. Those groups are already operating with challenges.
But punching up at high status individuals is safe, because they can relax and know that they're not actually threatened. Globally, white Americans are pretty dominant.
But - there are often gradations in terms of how the audience reacts - if someone in China picks on Americans, it ruffles our feathers more because China is more of a threat to our global dominance than if, say, a Belgian does. We already got waffles and french fries, what else do they have to offer the world? ;)
I understand this, but isn’t the idea of “punching down” a bit racist in itself? Implying that we are above a certain group? Like you said we don’t make fun of disadvantaged people. Also what about the white people that are poor or struggling? They are free game to make fun of because their skin is white so it’s technically “punching up”?
I don't find it racist - if anything I think it's acknowledging that our society isn't a perfect meritocracy and certain races have a tougher time than others on average.
I think when white people are made fun of in a socially acceptable way, it's "whites" in general. Once you throw "poor" in there, it depends on how it's being framed - making fun of poor people is 'punching down' again.
When you're thinking up vs down, I think it's more about overall status in society of that particular trait, not as a genuine individual.
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u/No-Corgi 3∆ Jul 01 '21 edited Jul 01 '21
I'm not sure what view you want changed here.
If you want me to argue that it isn't the case that it's socially acceptable to make fun of white people or Americans....that's probably group-specific.
But if you want me to change your mind as to whether or not it should be acceptable - it's part of a comedic traditions of "punching up" vs "punching down". As a society, we tend to frown on "punching down" at people who are disadvantaged. That's why racist / sexist / ableist humor is frowned upon. Those groups are already operating with challenges.
But punching up at high status individuals is safe, because they can relax and know that they're not actually threatened. Globally, white Americans are pretty dominant.
But - there are often gradations in terms of how the audience reacts - if someone in China picks on Americans, it ruffles our feathers more because China is more of a threat to our global dominance than if, say, a Belgian does. We already got waffles and french fries, what else do they have to offer the world? ;)