The Influence of Disparaging Humor on Perceptions of Discrimination
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to examine the influence of racially
disparaging humor on perceptions of discrimination. Sixty-seven White
students from Western Michigan University listened to a tape recording of
either 12 jokes or statements that contained either disparaging or neutral
content. Participants then read 9 vignettes that described ambiguous
interactions that could or could not be interpreted as discriminatory. Overall,
the data did not fully support the hypothesis that disparaging humor will
create an environment that fosters tolerance for discrimination. The data
does suggest, however, that perceptions of discrimination rely on what people
prototypically believe is going to happen.