Humour in Contemporary France

Controversy, Consensus and Contradictions

Jonathan Ervine

Liverpool University Press

Studies in Modern and Contemporary France

The first monograph about multiculturalism and humour in France to be published in either English or French that combines analysis of Charlie Hebdo and French stand-up comedy
An attempt to understand not just the significance of the Charlie Hebdo attacks of 2015, but to place debates about Charlie Hebdo's brand of humour within the context of recent evolutions in French humour
A detailed exploration of the rise of stand-up comedy in France, and differences between the history of stand-up comedy in France compared to the United States and the United Kingdom
Analysis of how stand-up comedy is allowing Muslims in France to increasingly become tellers of jokes rather than merely the subject of jokes
Engages with media debates, analyses different forms of humour, and features material from author's own interviews of several contemporary French comedians

Humour in Contemporary France

Controversy, Consensus and Contradictions

Jonathan Ervine

Liverpool University Press

Studies in Modern and Contemporary France

Description

This timely study sheds new light on debates about humour and multiculturalism in France, and is the first monograph about multiculturalism and humour in France to be published in either English or French that analyses both debates about Charlie Hebdo and stand-up comedy. It examines humour, freedom of expression and social cohesion in France at a crucial time in France's recent history following 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, multiculturalism 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, this work argues that studying humour and multiculturalism in France in often reveals a sense of national unease within the Republic at a time of considerable turmoil.

Humour in Contemporary France

Controversy, Consensus and Contradictions

Jonathan Ervine

Liverpool University Press

Studies in Modern and Contemporary France

Author Information

Jonathan Ervine is a Senior Lecturer in French and Francophone Studies at Bangor University.

Humour in Contemporary France

Controversy, Consensus and Contradictions

Jonathan Ervine

Liverpool University Press

Studies in Modern and Contemporary France

Reviews and Awards

'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