Commentary piece: Sociocultural characteristics of Montenegrins – the negative message in positive jokes

Abstract

Ethnic jokes are a form of comical narration extremely widespread throughout the social life of various nations. They generally centre on neighbouring nations and reveal a positive assessment of one's own ethnic group, usually negatively evaluating other nations. The subject of the analysis is jokes about Montenegrins, who are known in the Balkans for their laziness and slow lifestyle. However, they are able to transform this unfair stereotype into an advantage, a cultural identifier, which is reflected in popular culture, numerous jokes and tourist promotion of the country.

Keywords

• ethnic groups, nations, ethnic jokes, stereotypes, montenegrins, laziness