INVESTIGATING THE APPRAISAL OF JOKES WITH RACIALLY-CHARGED CONTENT

Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the appraisal of racially-charged humour and how it relates to group dynamics. This study also aims to see whether perceptions of racial harmony in Singapore influence the appraisal of racially-charged humour. In order to test for both aims, participants were presented with the Perception of Racial Harmony Scale and 8 jokes (2 in-group racially-charged jokes, 2 in-group neutral jokes, 2 out-group racially-charged jokes and 2 out-group neutral jokes). Participants were then asked to rate how funny, offensive and inappropriate each joke was and how willing they would be to tell the joke to someone else. Participants rated racially- charged jokes as less funny, more inappropriate and more offensive. Participants were also less willing to tell others the racially-charged jokes compared to the neutral jokes. In-group racially-charged jokes were rated as less offensive and less inappropriate compared to the out-group racially-charged jokes. The variability in perceived racial harmony seemed to have a slight influence on ratings of offensiveness and inappropriateness but not on ratings of funniness and willingness to tell. Future research might consider studying the potential moderating or mediating effects of perceived racial harmony on racially-charged joke appraisals in the intergroup context.