Jessie Taylor
Jokes are often a way for people to cope with oppression and unhappy truths. One such joke, which may not be new or funny, is: What did Zimbabweans use for light before candles? The answer is electricity. This joke is a subtle criticism of the country's oppressive regime, food shortages, and acute inflation under Mugabe, where even humour was used as a form of resistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What Zimbabweans used for light before candles | Electricity |
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What You'll Learn
Zimbabweans used electricity for light before candles
The joke "What did Zimbabweans use for light before candles?" with the answer "Electricity" is a form of satirical humour that has been used throughout history to cope with and challenge oppressive regimes. It draws attention to the lack of basic infrastructure and frequent power outages that have plagued Zimbabwe, a country that has faced economic and political turmoil for decades.
The punchline, "electricity," serves as a stark reminder of the country's struggles with power shortages and unreliable infrastructure. This joke is more than just a humorous quip; it is a subtle yet powerful statement about the realities of life in Zimbabwe. It showcases the ingenuity and resilience of its people, who find humour in adversity and use it as a tool to cope with the challenges they face daily.
Moreover, the joke reflects a broader trend of subversive humour that has emerged under oppressive governments throughout history. Humour has often been referred to as the "music of the oppressed." Jokes about endless shortages, official corruption, and the disconnect between government promises and everyday reality have been a means of survival and a form of quiet rebellion. They provide a sense of camaraderie and collective resilience, allowing people to find moments of levity and humanity amidst darkness and hardship.
The spread of jokes about Mugabe and the government, despite the risk of arrest, demonstrates the power of humour as a form of resistance. It represents a collective snigger in the face of tyranny and a refusal to be silenced. This particular joke about electricity before candles may seem simple, but it carries a deeper message of resilience, defiance, and the enduring human spirit in the face of oppression.
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Jokes about Mugabe are illegal in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, jokes about Mugabe are illegal. Anyone caught insulting the government in speech or writing is liable to be arrested. However, this has not stopped the spread of underground anti-government humour, which is shared via text message, email, and word of mouth. The website www.nyambo.com ("nyambo" means "jokes" in Shona) is dedicated to Zimbabwean humour.
The joke "What did Zimbabweans use for light before candles?" with the answer "Electricity" is one such example of humour under an oppressive regime. This joke is particularly potent given the acute food shortages and inflation rates in the country.
The spread of subversive humour under oppressive regimes is not unique to Zimbabwe. Ben Lewis, in his study "Hammer and Tickle," explores the wealth of subversive humour during the decades of Soviet communism. People gathered, treasured, and exchanged jokes about the endless shortages, official corruption, and the disconnect between official pronouncements and the crushing everyday reality.
In Zimbabwe, comedians have historically found it challenging to make jokes about the country's rulers due to fears of arrest and imprisonment. However, since Robert Mugabe was ousted as president in 2017 after 37 years in power, there has been a shift in the comedy landscape. The BBC reported on a group of young filmmakers and comedians called Bustop TV, who are part of this new wave of comedic expression in the country.
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Zimbabweans use humour to cope with oppression
Zimbabweans have been using humour as a coping mechanism in the face of economic collapse. The local currency is losing value daily, and government workers have seen their salaries increase by 300%, yet they still cannot afford basic goods. For example, a health worker taking home ZW$1,000,000 (about R2,000) could only afford to buy seven packs of toilet rolls priced at ZW$137,000 each. This has led to the supermarket Pick n Pay being nicknamed 'Pick n Cry'.
Zimbabweans have been spreading jokes about their lack of trust in the banking sector, preferring to keep their money under their mattress instead. One comedian, Learnmore Jonasi, has a skit promoting what he calls "Mattress Bank Limited", which jokes about inflation rates and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe raiding people's accounts for foreign currency.
Political commentator Professor Alexander Rusero said:
> Jokes are an escape route to the imagined fantasy, a way of easing pain and relief.
This is not the first time that humour has been used as a coping mechanism in the face of oppression. Ben Lewis explores the use of subversive humour during Soviet communism in his book *Hammer and Tickle*. People gathered, treasured, and exchanged jokes about endless shortages, official corruption, and the chasm between official pronouncements and crushing everyday reality.
During the French Revolution, there was also an upsurge of ribald humour at the expense of the monarchy.
Laughter can serve crucial cultural functions as societies deal with tough challenges, such as sharing and amplifying messages, addressing difficult topics in accessible ways, and inspiring hope and optimism to motivate social change.
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Humour as a form of resistance against oppressive regimes
Humour has long been used as a form of nonviolent resistance against oppressive regimes. In his article "Humor as a Serious Strategy of Nonviolent Resistance to Oppression", Sorensen explores how humour can be directed against oppression and the oppressor, encouraging critical reflection on societal behaviour and the desired state of society. Humour can be a powerful tool for challenging power and eroding the pillars of support that uphold authoritarian regimes.
One example of humour as resistance can be found in the works of Badal Sircar, a pioneer of modern Indian theatre. Sircar's "Third Theatre" concept blended humour and fantasy with social critique, allowing him to address pressing societal issues while maintaining accessibility to a wide audience. Similarly, in his book "Hammer and Tickle", Ben Lewis explores the proliferation of subversive humour during the long decades of Soviet communism. Jokes about endless shortages, official corruption, and the disconnect between official pronouncements and everyday reality became a form of music for the oppressed.
In totalitarian societies, humour can serve as an alternative means of communication when traditional channels are controlled by the regime. Activists can take advantage of the ambiguity of humour, voicing criticism while maintaining plausible deniability. As Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef said, "You can't really respect or fear something you are laughing at." Humour can push back against the fear that authoritarians rely on, emboldening protests and relieving the pressure that comes with challenging their leaders' authority.
However, it is important to recognise that humour can also be oppressive and cruel when used to ridicule marginalised groups, such as ethnic minorities or women. Additionally, playing with provocations can be dangerous, as it may elicit a violent response from the regime. As Gandhi recommended, it is essential to avoid humiliating the oppressor, as it may increase the chances of a violent reaction.
Overall, humour can be a powerful tool for nonviolent resistance, chipping away at the facade of invulnerability that oppressive regimes often project. It allows individuals to challenge power, articulate grievances, and foster a culture of resistance, even in the face of adversity.
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The growth of underground anti-government humour in Zimbabwe
Despite the risks, humour has been used as a tool for political communication, criticism, and protest in Zimbabwe. Jokes about Mugabe are considered a crime, and anyone insulting the government is liable to be arrested. However, this has not stopped the spread of underground anti-government humour, which is shared via text message, email, and word of mouth. This trend is not unique to Zimbabwe; Ben Lewis's book, "Hammer and Tickle," explores the prevalence of subversive humour during Soviet communism.
Zimbabwean comedians like Samm Farai Monro, also known as Comrade Fatso, and Outspoken, have risked their safety to create satirical programmes like Zambezi News, which parodies the state-controlled propaganda machine. The show, distributed via 30,000 samizdat DVDs and shared on online platforms, offers a creative way to distribute and publicise the show as it receives no airplay on state-controlled media. Despite the dangers, these comedians continue to produce sharp satire, chipping away at the government's power and providing a much-needed outlet for the people.
"Zambezi News" is a faux news show with comic newscasters and satirical reports from the field. It mimics the sycophancy of the ruling party, the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (Zanu PF), and has become Zimbabwe's leading satirical programme, reaching millions of viewers. The show's creators must navigate a delicate balance, as they are often left alone, but hundreds of anti-Mugabe activists have been arrested and tortured. This has led to speculation about the government's motives, with some wondering if it is a show of freedom of speech or a strategic move to prove a point.
Underground anti-government humour in Zimbabwe is a growing phenomenon, with people using it as a form of resistance and a way to cope with the harsh realities of their everyday lives. Despite the risks and challenges, Zimbabwean comedians and activists continue to employ humour as a powerful tool for change and a means to bring light to the darkness of their country's situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Electricity.
Yes, jokes about Mugabe are considered a crime. Anyone insulting the government in writing or speech can be arrested.
The website www.nyambo.com is dedicated to Zimbabwean humour. "Nyambo" means "jokes" in Shona.
Here is one: A policeman stops a motorist and asks for a donation: Terrorists have kidnapped the former Sir Robert Mugabe, and they have vowed to soak him in petrol and set him alight.
Humour is a way to cope with the oppressive regime, food shortages, inflation, and other hardships.
