Not trying to be funny, just curious.
2006-07-21 01:13:56 · 17 answers · asked by Steve A 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
notions of irony vary from culture to culture. the term means something quite different in the classical world for example (where it was termed 'eirenia').
2006-07-21 01:16:49 · answer #1 · answered by synopsis 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The fact that certain people, who I'm willing to assume are American, answered 'how ironic', almost proves the point, as it isn't at all ironic. That is, ironically, ironic itself.
It's not that Americans don't get irony, but it's just that the British sense of humour, and in fact just the way we act, is tailored much more towards sarcasm and irony that theirs is (I know your a Brit because I read some of your other answers). Consequently it just seems like they don't get it, as they don't as much as we do, which is a consequence of them not using it as much. If they do, it's not as subtle either.
I don't think it's just them though, very few countries have a sense of humour that is as full of sarcasm and irony as ours: Australia, New Zealand, and maybe only one or two more. We Brits are renowned throughout Europe for our sense of humour.
That isn't to say they don't have a sense of humour, they aren't German, it's just different.
2006-07-21 03:45:05 · answer #2 · answered by AndyB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my experience, a lot of my American friends enjoy a different sense of humour to a lot of my British friends.
I wouldn't say that they don't 'get' irony though. The way you have been brought up and the programmes you watch etc all shape your sense of humour as you get older.
Some British comedy shows simply don't work in America and then by comparison we get some great comedy shows from the states like 'Friends' for example.
You can't really generalise though, I can only speak for the different friends that I know. - Hope this helps.
2006-07-21 01:27:11 · answer #3 · answered by Queen Victoria of Port 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'ts not American prejudice to say you don't get irony but i think in the case of British irony it's probably true.....i have a lot of US friend's and most of them don't get my sense of humour, in fact i have given up on them! There's a couple that see it, so it is'nt all American's but as a whole i would say it's about 75% of them!
I do like American's by the way, just being honest!
2006-07-21 01:25:49 · answer #4 · answered by Viv C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you read about the political state of our country? We live and breathe irony.
2006-07-21 01:17:08 · answer #5 · answered by marie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that's a load of rubbish. I just think about some of the best television and film writing that comes from the states. American Beauty, for example. The Simpsons. I could go on and on. I think it's just yet more anti-American prejudice.
2006-07-21 01:19:34 · answer #6 · answered by trixie firecracker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people from every country dont get irony and some people from every country do.
2006-07-21 01:19:01 · answer #7 · answered by corleonelover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wealthier Americans have a maid who comes and does their irony for them.
2006-07-21 01:18:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my experience, it is true. I generally find it easier to dumb down when speaking with Americans as it's a bit like talking to a child as everything is taken literally - if you use metaphor or hyperbole, you have to explain it every time - just too tedious.
2006-07-21 01:31:30 · answer #9 · answered by Gallivanting Galactic Gadfly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah! I remember telling a guy that the best thing about a DVD was that it rewinds faster than a VHS tape. Went right over his head!!
2006-07-21 01:18:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋