Decolonising Laughter: Ukrainian Bloggers’ Revision of Humour and Cultural Memory.

• In Event: Contested Memory and Resistance to Neocolonialism in Ukraine’s Culture I

Abstract

This paper examines how contemporary Ukrainian bloggers use a decolonizing approach to critically reassess modern Ukrainian culture and the cultural products that influenced Ukrainian media consumption prior to the full-scale war, particularly Soviet and Russian content. It focuses on the revision of humor shows, comedies, and other comedic elements that may have reinforced neo-imperialist narratives. By analyzing how bloggers engage with and reinterpret these materials, the study highlights the role of digital discourse in reshaping cultural memory and challenging persistent colonial frameworks. This discussion goes beyond academic debates, providing insights into how decolonization is reflected in popular culture and public discourse. By exploring the strategies employed by bloggers – ranging from parody and critical commentary to outright rejection – this paper investigates how humor serves as a tool for cultural resistance and self-redefinition. Ultimately, the research sheds light on the broader dynamics of postcolonial identity formation in Ukraine and the role of digital media in facilitating these cultural shifts.

Author

• Kateryna Yeremieieva, Ludwig-Maximilians-U Munich (Germany)