06/05/2017
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Northern Ireland has experienced a notable surge in comedy in recent times, with shows like 'Derry Girls' and the revival of 'Give My Head Peace' bringing a fresh, humorous perspective to the region's complex past. This comedic renaissance is particularly pertinent as the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement approaches. The widespread acclaim for 'Derry Girls' highlights a public appetite for more nuanced, and often funnier, portrayals of life during the Troubles, moving beyond the often grim narratives presented in mainstream media.
The 'Craic' and Its Complexities
The concept of 'craic', a uniquely Irish term encompassing fun, conversation, and good times, plays a significant role in how Northern Ireland is perceived, especially by tourists. While 'craic' can be a positive force, fostering connection and shared experience, it can also, as the article suggests, lead to the commodification of Irish culture, creating pressure to conform to stereotypes of the 'merry, whiskey-drinking pugnacious clown'. This pressure can extend to public sector workers and those involved in the tourism industry, who may feel compelled to deliver an 'authentically funny' experience.
Mural Tourism: A Spectacle of the Past?
Belfast's mural tours, particularly those conducted by black cab drivers, have grown considerably in popularity over the last decade. These tours, which take visitors to areas significant to the Troubles, accounted for a substantial portion of tourist activity in the city even before the ceasefires. While some critics argue that these tours turn a period of conflict into a spectacle, the use of humour within them often goes unremarked, despite its integral role in the visitor experience.
Humour as a Guiding Principle
Research into 'Troubles tourism' in Belfast reveals that humour is a defining characteristic of the black cab mural tour. A majority of guides, irrespective of their background or political leanings, employ humour as their primary method of engaging with tourists. This might not be unusual for guided tours in general, but the prevalence of what could be described as 'bad-taste jokes' concerning the Troubles is striking, given the sensitive nature of the subject matter.
The article cites examples of such jokes, including one about the Brighton bombing and another about Stormont. While some of this humour may be a response to the tourist demand for 'craic', the author suggests it also signifies a deeper shift in how the Troubles are being processed and communicated in post-Good Friday Agreement Northern Ireland. It's argued that these jokes go beyond mere 'stage Irishy' and reflect a more complex engagement with the past.
Pedagogy, Relief, and Division
The motivations behind the guides' use of humour are varied. Some see it as a pedagogical tool, a way to make the complex history more accessible and memorable. Others view it as essential comic relief, a necessary coping mechanism on tours that can be emotionally taxing. As one guide is quoted saying, "You have to [include jokes]. You’d crack if you didn’t". This highlights the psychological burden of recounting such a history and the role humour plays in managing it.
However, the article also points to a less acknowledged aspect of humour: its potential to be a divisive force, capable of reflecting and even exacerbating tensions between different social groups. The dark humour employed on these tours can create a sense of insiderness for the tourist, inviting them to laugh along with the guide, while simultaneously highlighting their outsider status in relation to the communities being discussed.
The Paradox of Dark Humour
The use of dark humour in traumatised societies is a well-documented phenomenon. It can serve as a means of resilience for victims, disrupting the complacency of those who are distant from the trauma. In the context of the black cab tour, however, the ethical implications of this dark humour are complex. The invitation to laugh is primarily directed at transient outsiders – the tourists – rather than the everyday civilians who continue to live in the communities affected by the Troubles.
A critical question arises when considering the impact of jokes about fatal bombings, especially when the joke teller might have had a connection to the organisations responsible. The article stresses the need for further examination into the motives behind such jokes and their effect on tourists' understanding of Northern Ireland's past. Particular attention should be paid to how this dark humour shapes tourists' perceptions of contemporary Northern Irish politics.
Humour as a Double-Edged Sword
While the sharp wit of shows like 'Derry Girls' demonstrates the power of 'craic' in creating relatable and lifelike representations of the Troubles, it also underscores the need for caution. Humour, when applied to such a sensitive and painful period of history, is a powerful tool that must be wielded with care. It can illuminate, connect, and even heal, but it can also inadvertently offend, alienate, or oversimplify.
| Narrative Form | Primary Humour Approach | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Derry Girls (TV Show) | Situational, character-driven, often absurdist | Relatable, humanising, broad appeal |
| Black Cab Mural Tours | Anecdotal, dark, often self-deprecating or observational | Intimate, potentially provocative, can alienate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all black cab drivers use humour on tours?
While humour is a prevalent feature of many black cab mural tours, it's not universal. Drivers have different approaches to engaging with tourists, and the use and style of humour can vary significantly.
Is it appropriate to laugh at jokes about the Troubles?
The appropriateness of laughing at jokes about the Troubles is subjective and depends on the context, the nature of the joke, and the individual's relationship to the history. The article highlights the complex ethical considerations involved, particularly when the humour is dark or potentially insensitive.
How does humour in black cab tours differ from humour in shows like Derry Girls?
Humour in 'Derry Girls' is typically character-driven and situational, aiming for broad relatability. Black cab tour humour is often more anecdotal, observational, and can lean towards darker or more provocative themes, reflecting the direct experience and memory of the Troubles.
What is the role of 'craic' in Northern Irish tourism?
'Craic' is central to the perceived identity and appeal of Northern Ireland for many tourists. It encompasses a sense of fun, friendliness, and lively conversation, which can be a significant draw. However, the article cautions against the commodification of 'craic' and the pressure it can create.
Can humour help in understanding the Troubles?
Yes, humour can be a powerful tool for understanding complex and difficult histories. It can make information more accessible, humanise experiences, and provide emotional relief. However, as the article emphasizes, it must be used thoughtfully to avoid trivialising or misrepresenting the past.
Dr Katie Markham's research focuses on the intersection of post-conflict heritage, empathy, and 'Troubles Tourism' in Northern Ireland, offering critical insights into the emotional and ethical dimensions of engaging with Belfast's paramilitary history.
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