Ricky Gervais, the comedian and brains behind The Office, talks here about the difference between British and American humor, and it really gets down to deep cultural differences. Optimism, the belief that anything is possible, versus an ingrained pessimism and penchant for the underdog. I wonder whether UK readers would agree with this characterization. And, more so, I wonder which outlook, the British or American, can better get you through these difficult times. The answer, to me, is not obvious…
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Dan
I don’t like a lot of his humor, but as a Brit married to an American living in Japan for years, I think I have a good perspective on both cultures, and I tend to agree with his assessment.
As a Brit I have to agree with him but i also believe that much American humour is very obvious. The jokes can sometimes be seen coming a mile off and have to almost be spelt out in the American sit coms and i think this clear in the differences between The UK Office and the US version. British humour can be a lot more subtle. Although of course there are exceptions such as Curb Your Enthusiasm.