Keywords
social media
discrimination
Mexico
comedy
How to Cite
Abstract
In 2020, an unprecedented public discussion sought to denounce racist humour in Mexican mainstream and social media, especially targeting Indigenous people. Against the organisers’ expectations, the result appeared to bolster the bigoted comedian who they attempted to condemn. This case is an example of recent efforts by progressive intellectuals and comedians around the world who aim to criticise discriminatory comedy only to reinforce polarised views on the topic. The pattern consists on progressives becoming moralizing figures, denouncing what they consider inappropriate in public discourses and humour, and chauvinists who experiment, push the line, and claim their right to freedom of expression. The resulting tension generates polarisation, as each side asserts rightfulness without opening the possibility of dialogue. On one side, progressive intellectuals and activists provide solid arguments regarding the link between racist humour and discrimination of and harm to individuals and collectives. On the other side, bigoted comedians use the known strategy of “just a joke,” and profess their right to freedom of expression. The discussion analysed here, thus, encapsulates a specific iteration of polarised views that may offer a few elements to overcome polarisation.
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