“Often, our contemplation of culture revolves around art, literature, music, and performance, inadvertently overlooking the profound cultural influence of humor. As Malcolm Bradbury aptly puts it, ‘culture is a way of coping with the world, by defining it in detail,’ and throughout history, humanity has recognized the healing power of humor.
In our hyper-real, globally interconnected, and post-modern society, cultural humor has taken various forms and classifications, often described as a ‘national sense of humor.’ This brings us to the question: what defines Pakistan’s national sense of humor or comedy?
Arguably, a defining characteristic of Pakistani comedy is self-deprecating humor—a penchant for poking fun at ourselves before others get the chance. It falls within the realm of humor as a coping mechanism, offering a way to navigate the complexities of life. The creators of Pakistan’s satire website, The Khabaristan Times, shed light on this aspect, emphasizing that their comedy aims not only to entertain but also to make a point, even if it ventures into dark territories. Satire, for them, is a way of looking at the world and questioning its flaws.
Just like music, humor has evolved with changing generations, but the recent shift is not solely driven by a specific age group—it’s propelled by the colossal forces of the internet and social media. Globally, memes and video memes have surged as a cultural phenomenon, originating in the West and permeating across different cultures. Memes have become a unique form of cultural expression, reflecting shared experiences in a humorous light.
Locally, memes have played a significant role in shaping our humor, focusing on the ‘desi’ way of life. They draw laughter from shared experiences, from the quirks of our parents to the intricacies of desi relationships. What makes memes particularly intriguing is their decentralized nature; there’s no central authority governing them. Memes are created and consumed by the same audience, making them a democratic and spontaneous form of humor.
Memes are versatile, turning anything and everything into potential humor. In the era of internet virality, the most mundane events can become global sensations. A frustrated cricket fan’s reaction or a dramatic moment from a TV show can swiftly turn into memes, spreading like wildfire across the internet.
Moreover, memes break down cultural boundaries and redefine how we express ourselves. In Pakistan, where traditional cultural boundaries have often been rigid, humor, much like music, has become a force that transcends generations. My mom, for instance, is well-versed in the latest memes, showcasing the cross-generational appeal of this evolving cultural expression.
In essence, the cultural landscape, particularly in the realms of music and comedy, has undergone a seismic shift. The once-defined boundaries are giving way to a more interconnected and inclusive cultural understanding. It’s a moment of pride that people of all ages can now partake in and enjoy these new cultural experiences.”