Portraits of "the Whiteman" by Keith H. Basso

In Portraits of the "Whiteman", author Keith Basso describes a joking culture of the Western Apache that's often overlooked. Native Americans have always been portrayed in a very serious manner, so Basso sheds light on this humorous aspect of life. These jokes entail making fun of the Whiteman through joking around with one another. This linguistic play of the Whiteman symbolizes everything the Apache are not. These are cultural and social constructions based off of observations an Apache might have, but no two jokes are the same because each joke is geared specifically toward the relationship between the people giving and receiving the joke. These joking performances serve as a "micro-sociological analysis" of society - both how they view the Whitman and how they view their own culture. Views are constantly evolving as cultures evolve, so these adaptations are evolving too.

An aspect of joking is "code-switching", meaning that the Apache speaks in English. This in and of itself is a form of social commentary as Apaches were forced to learn English on the reservations. Styles of speaking with block phrasing and higher, quicker speech are meant to imitate the Whiteman. Apaches think that the Whiteman speaks in a way that always sounds angry, which is high and quick - Apaches speak in a low tone that is slow. Adult males primarily partook in this type of joking, but it originally started with schoolchildren. Basso repeatedly stated how the Apache thought these jokes were 'dangerous', and I was confused by this at first because I wasn't sure what it quite meant. Basso reveals, finally, that by 'dangerous' the Apache mean that although the joke holds properties of bringing happiness, the joke could also offend people. And with any joke, sometimes it's hard to tell whether the joker holds ulterior motives of seriousness.

These jokes hold a social commentary of the people giving and receiving the joke in that this boasts of the closeness of their relationship - that they are close enough to be joking so intensely with each other. The most 'dangerous' type of joke is one dealing with disrespectful treatment of the person spoken about (the butt of the joke) in that the butt thinks higher of themselves than other people. As these jokes provide a way to discuss things that otherwise would not occur,

Basso describes a quintessential joke which covers many bases of Apache culture:
1. The joker says, "Hello, my friend!" This makes fun of the fact that Whitmen call each other friend all the time. The Apache don't have a word for this in their culture because even the nearest equivalent is spoken by individuals who are very close to each other. Also, Basso notes how Whitemen use this term more openly when they want something from someone.
2. The joker says, "How you doing? How you feeling?" Such questions as these are considered violations of privacy instead of concerned notions. The Apache view the Whiteman as nosy and lacking a degree of self-control because they want to know all aspects of that persons life.
3. The joker says, "Look who here, everybody! Look who just come in." This is considered unnecessary fanfare and drawing attention where there not need be. Apaches view this as socially exposing and embarrassing.
4. The joker says, "Sure, it's my Indian friend, L." By referring to the person by their personal name is considered addressing the person as a piece of individual property.
5. The joker slaps his friend on the back, shakes his hand vigorously, stares him in the face, and guides him to his seat. Apaches avoid touching each other, so slapping backs and shaking hands are an encroachment of personal space. Staring at someone in the face is considered an act of aggression. And guiding the person to his seat is considered bossy, which the Apache find very offensive.
6. The joker repeats rapid fire questions. The Apache consider it rude to repeat questions, and not giving someone enough time to respond is deemed discourteous.
7. The joker says, "You looking pretty fat!" Statements concerning someone's physical appearance are considered disrespectful and discomforting. The Apache want to blend in moreso than stand out like the Whiteman, who the Apache think are very self absorbed.
8. The joker speaks quickly and in a loud, high-pitched voice. As mentioned earlier, this is how the Apache view the Whiteman speaking, which they deem angry.

As stated prior, views of the Whiteman are constantly evolving, but regardless, these portraits will always be what the Apache is not. These jokes serve as social commentary of how the Apaches view the Whiteman, but also how the Apache view themselves. These jokes are only performed when the people giving and receiving the joke are close enough with each other that neither will be offended.