Comedy Analysis: Character comedy and stereotypes

Ali G.

Character comedy is a form of comedy where the comedian takes on the role of a character, much like an actor, but with a funny effect. Stereotypes are often exaggerated depictions of certain peoples,

cultures, religions or other groups. The two forms of comedy often coincide, when the comedian takes on the role of a stereotypical character.

A form of stereotypical comedy which is especially popular in the UK and Europe is the depiction of (former) soldiers or military officers. Also the depiction of stereotypical law-enforcement officers is popular. Often the depiction of police officers includes some reference to dictatorships, fascism or national-socialism. Also both the police and military are often shown to be of questionable intelligence.

Another famous example of a stereotype is Sacha Baron Cohen's portrayal of Ali G. He is a stereotype of the typical (British) white (generally working class) male who imitates the rap culture as well as the reggae and hip-hop cultures. He pretends to be much more streetwise and 'gangster' than he really is and hangs out with people much like himself. Characters like these are a sure source of hilarity.

Michelle Dubois in 'Allo, 'Allo!

In British comedy stereotypes are highly popular. Not only foreign or other specific groups are targeted, the Britons are remarkably fond of stereotypical British characters. Some examples include Basil Fawlty and most of the British characters in 'Allo 'Allo! who are generally portrayed as over-the-top British with exaggerated accents. In the same series however, there are also stereotypical French, German and Nazi characters.

American comedy often uses stereotypes such as rednecks, Mexicans (and other Latinos) and people from specific cities, such as New Yorkers who are often depicted as New Jersey-hating, coffee and bagel-loving, Yups. Also the police is often stereotyped as incompetent, lazy, coffee-drinking and donut-eating. This is prominently displayed in series such as The Simpsons where Chief Wiggum is all that. American stereotypes are often regarded to be less complicated than British stereotypes although that is not always true. Stereotyping has been around for centuries and doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon, so we had better learn to appreciate them, even when we find ourselves on the receiving end.