ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the Chinese ambivalence about humor which is typically reflected in three paradoxical attitudes about humor by the Chinese, such as valuing humor but devaluing self humor, being humorous is different from being an orthodox Chinese, humor is important, but not for everyone, etc. It is oriented in both Confucian puritanic bias against humor throughout Chinese history and Communist’s lofty prejudice for humor in modern times. They both point to a heightened need that humor ought to be used properly in accordance with Confucian ethics of social harmony and the Communist doctrines of spiritual purification. It reviews some of the empirical studies that were specifically conducted to examine the phenomenon of the Chinese ambivalence about humor in a variety of ways. The results show that though the Chinese tend to value humor greatly, they usually show low regard for their personal humor and do not consider humor as a desirable personality trait for being an orthodox Chinese. They also tend to be highly conscious and cautious of any misuses of humor in friendship. This has led the Chinese to treat humor as a tasteful thing to admire but a risky thing to do.
