Translation station

Since I started the last entry by re-starting my explanation of Russian humor, I'm continuing today with examples of how Russian humor can parallel American humor.

There are many sociological advancements that have shaped the lifestyles of Russians in much the same way as Americans. While the governing structures of the two countries have appeared quite different, the affects of governance that incite one to seek freedom, of mind and action, are very similar. Therefore, many genres of humor replicate themselves in both American and Russian society.

For instance, possibly due to the similar marriage and family unit structures shared by Russians and Americans, the genre of female v. male humor looks almost identical in both countries.

Joke 1:

Q: Why are women worse than the mafia?

A: The mafia demands money or your life; women want both!

Joke 2:

Women are like guns, keep one around long enough and your going to want to shoot it.

Now, can you tell which joke is American? 

Perhaps this one is an easy answer since Russia is obsessed with the Mafia and Americans, with guns. But nevertheless, this brings me to another point. Although I once thought that Russian jokes were more disparaging than American, I have been proven wrong on that assumption. Especially in the above example, it's obvious that both cultures offer a similarly strong male/female face-off through humor. (And just so you're clear, Joke 2 is American...)

Even in the depiction of how a single woman finds a man we see similarities:

Joke:

Two young women are talking.

"I’m going to marry the man I fall in love with."

"Me too, if I don’t find anything better."

This Russian joke perfectly suits the American image of women desiring a rich man. However, the American version of this joke might look a bit different -perhaps more obvious and sexual in nature.

Q: What is six inches long, features a bald head, and drives women crazy?
A: A hundred dollar bill.

I guess women the world over are known for loving their money (and their husband's). 

So the next time you hear a Russian making a joke and you think it's about the opposite gender, add some context and a few sexual connotations, remember both societies feature alpha males, and you'll understand any joke as American, in no time!