Description
Book SynopsisThis timely study sheds new light on debates about humour and identity in France, and is the first book about humour and identity in France to be published in either English or French that analyses both debates about
Charlie Hebdo and standup comedy. It examines humour, freedom of expression, and social cohesion in France during a crucial time in France’s recent history punctuated by the
Charlie Hebdo attacks of January 2015. It evaluates the state of French society and attitudes to humour in France in the aftermath of the events of January 2015. This book argues that debates surrounding
Charlie Hebdo, although significant, only provide part of the picture when it comes to understanding humour and multiculturalism in France. This monograph fills significant gaps in French and international media coverage and academic writing, which has generally failed to adequately examine the broader picture that emerges when one examines career trajectories of notable contemporary French comedians. By addressing this failing, this book provides a more complete picture of humour, identity, and Republican values in France. By focusing primarily on contemporary comedians in France, this book explores competing uses of French Republican discourse in debates about humour, offensiveness, and freedom of expression. Ultimately, it argues that studying humour and identity in France often reveals a sense of national unease within the Republic at a time of considerable turmoil.
Trade ReviewReviews'This is a well-researched, accessible and timely book. It deals with very important issues in an informed and illuminating way.'
John Marks, University of Nottingham
‘Ervine’s monograph is one of the most fascinating and thought-provoking monographs I have recently read… making us think and reconsider our own assumptions as humour analysts and problematizing concepts and arguments we take for granted concerning, among many other things, the “innocuous”, “inconsequential”, “playful”, or “subversive” character of humour and its “primarily” entertaining function in the public sphere.’ Villy Tsakona, European Journal of Humour Research
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Introduction: Humour: a serious issue in contemporary France
Chapter One:
Charlie Hebdo: from controversy to consensus?
Chapter Two: Dieudonné: from anti-racist activism to allegations of anti-Semitism
Chapter Three: Jamel Comedy Club: stand-up comedy à la française?
Chapter Four: Islam and humour: more than just a debate about cartoons
Conclusions
Bibiliography
Index
