Heritage: Neil Ross on Canadian Humour – blog link

Image and post Way Out In The Margin  blog

TORONTO, ONTARIO – Few things are held more dearly in the Canadian psyche than the distinct Canadian sense of humour. Yet, few people seem to know how it developed. Neil Ross tried to rectify this with his presentation “Nation of Irony Mongers: Roots of the Canadian Sense of Humour”, made in front of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society last Thursday as a preview of a series of two-minute radio features that will be airing on the CBC in the coming weeks.

I was pleased to find Ross start with native humour.
Full article at the Way Out In The Margin  blog [link opens in new window]
UPDATE:

Neil Ross responds to the a comment, (blog technical glitch so we posted it here)

“How dare Ross attempt to relate the historical development of humour in this country without starting with First Nations humour? Doesn’t he understand that any history of what we call Canada must start with the people who have been here for thousands of years — as well as including their modern contributions.  Not only do we marginalise native people nationally but we ignore their humour as well.  Sickening . . .”  I guess its a case of dissed if you do and dissed if you don’t.  In the first of my CBC radio vignettes running tomorrow on morning shows across the country I use a clip from Tom King’s brilliant radio show The Dead Dog Cafe Comedy Hour as an example of modern Trickster comedy.  In my live presentation I explain how comic tales of the Sliammon First Nation prompted me to research the full continuum of Canadian humour.  I can’t imagine attempting this project without including First Nations comedy and humour but always try to use the platform to point people to the real deal.  Suggest you check out Rez Dogs at: http://www.reclamationinfo.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=179