Humor in America: You Know You Live In ...

Travel Blog  •  Jenna Schnuer  •  02.09.09 | 4:23 PM ET

Photo by cindy47452 via Flickr (Creative Commons)


Thanks to the must-see series and must-read companion book, Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America, I’ve got 50 states’ worth of ha-ha on the brain. The series’ creators offer up six genres of American comedy; some are riffs on humor birthed in lands far far away, and others are distinctly American. Until you can get home to watch them (‘cause we all know you’re reading this on company time), here’s a good guffaw or five (which are, most definitely, not part of the series). They’re “You Know You Live In ...” videos, a brand of humor that, I’m pretty sure, is all-American. I mean, seriously, can you imagine the French or the Germans laughing at themselves in such a good-natured and charming manner. (Kidding. Kidding. Ish.) Prepare to be entertained.

Portage Country, Ohio
(The lady laughing in the background bumps this from one-time fun to a must-view-again-and-again.)

Indiana

Rural America

A Small Country Town

North Dakota
(Sorry but you’ll have to click through—no video embedding was offered for this one.)

Know of any that should be added to the list?


Jenna Schnuer

Freelancer Jenna Schnuer writes about travel, food, culture, books, and life's quirky bits (and bites) for publications including American Way, National Geographic Traveler, Southern Living, and many others. She also co-writes Flyover America, a site filled with quieter stories from around the U.S. Send Jenna an email or, if you're so inclined, follow her on Twitter.


4 Comments for Humor in America: You Know You Live In ...

Alexandra 02.10.09 | 2:36 AM ET

Actually, I thought this sort of thing was exclusive to Australia, home of taking the piss. I grew up in Darwin - far north, tropics, etc:

You know you live in Darwin when a three-piece suit means your best bluie, stubbies, and thongs.

(Translation: bluie= blue singlet, preferably Bonds; stubbies= short shorts, generally workmen’s wear; thongs= flip-flops.)

Chris 02.11.09 | 11:36 AM ET

“cause we all know you’re reading this on company time”

How did you know?!? I thought my secret was safe!

Jenna Schnuer 02.11.09 | 2:32 PM ET

OK, so I guess it’s exclusive to America and Australia (until folks from other countries chime in). But, for now, I give prize for most charmingly self-deprecating to you all and us all (and now I’m off to take grammar lessons).

And Chris, don’t worry—I won’t tell anybody. Well, as long as you keep visiting World Hum and taking part in the conversation. Fair enough?

Jenna Schnuer 02.11.09 | 2:35 PM ET

Um, of course I mean, the prize. I need to get my brain and my fingers to work as a team—sometimes it doesn’t go so well.

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