Humor and Power in Algeria, 1920 to 2021

Humor has served as a unifying and dividing force in Algerian history, helping people engage in power struggles and make sense of moments of victory and loss. This book explores how humor has been used as a tool of resistance, peace, social memory, and retracing contested pasts, using oral interviews and media archives in Arabic, French, and Tamazight.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 430 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Indiana University Press

In times of both peace and conflict, humor has played a significant role in shaping the Algerian society. It has served as a tool for unification, bringing people together and fostering a sense of common identity. At the same time, humor has also been used to divide people, creating differences and tensions among different groups.

Throughout the country's contemporary history, humor has been instrumental in facilitating critical engagement in power struggles. By analyzing comedic discourse in various forms, such as plays, jokes, and cartoons, Humor and Power in Algeria, 1920 to 2021 showcases the innovative and globally informed ways in which civilians have made sense of moments of victory and loss through humor.

The book employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining oral interviews and media archives in Arabic, French, and Tamazight. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of theoretical debates about humor as a tool of resistance and the importance of humor as an instrument of war, peace, and social memory. It also delves into the role of humor as a source for retracing volatile and contested pasts.

One of the key themes of the book is how humor has been used to express competing visions for unity in a divided colonial society. During the French colonization, Algerians faced a complex social and political landscape, with different ethnic and religious groups vying for power and influence. Humor played a crucial role in bridging these divides, allowing people to share jokes and stories that highlighted the similarities and differences between them. This created a sense of unity and understanding, even in the face of adversity.

Similarly, humor has been instrumental in channeling and processing emotions surrounding a brutal war of decolonization. The Algerian War, which lasted from 1954 to 1962, was a bloody and protracted conflict that resulted in the deaths of millions of people. Humor served as a way for Algerians to cope with the trauma and loss experienced during this period. It allowed them to express their anger, frustration, and sadness in a cathartic and humorous way, helping them to process the events that had unfolded.

Furthermore, humor has demonstrated resilience in the face of a terrifying civil conflict. The Algerian Civil War, which began in 1992 and lasted for more than a decade, was characterized by widespread violence and political instability. Humor played a vital role in maintaining a sense of community and hope among Algerians during this period. It allowed people to share jokes and stories that highlighted the absurdity and futility of the conflict, providing a much-needed outlet for stress and anxiety.

In conclusion, Humor and Power in Algeria, 1920 to 2021 offers a rich and nuanced exploration of the role of humor in shaping Algerian society. Through its analysis of comedic discourse and its multidisciplinary approach, the book demonstrates the globally informed and creative ways in which civilians have made sense of moments of victory and loss through humor. It sheds light on the complex dynamics of power, resistance, and social memory in a divided colonial society and the resilience of the Algerian people in the face of adversity. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of cultural studies and history, providing insights into the ways in which humor can be used as a tool for social change and empowerment.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253067616