Humor triggered by her commentary
Humor: A Reflection of Society's Evolution in Kazakhstan
For years, the world of humor in Kazakhstan has predominantly been a male-dominated domain. Yet, recent times have witnessed a surge in female humor - bold, diverse, and thought-provoking. From stand-up comedians to bloggers, women are no longer just making us laugh, they're making us think. And their voice is getting louder.
Liter.kz's journalist sat down with comedian Dariga Bilal to delve into the topics women are discussing today onstage.
Female humor in Kazakhstan is stepping out of its comfort zone, moving beyond daily life jokes and transforming into a vital means of self-expression. It's a way to discuss sensitive, often taboo topics with a touch of humor that makes it accessible, lively, and relatable. Women are creating their unique comedy formats, embracing storytelling, stand-up, and more, giving voice to suppressed perspectives.
From social obligations, expectations, and inner struggles, to everyday observations, the themes in female humor are diverse. What ties them together is a personal touch that brings humor to life: it's humor born from real-life experiences.
Kazakh women joke about complex family dynamics, marriage pressures, societal norms they've faced since childhood. A distinctive trait of Kazakh female humor is its healing nature. Many admit they started joking to cope with personal crises or to find a way to be heard. Their audience, in turn, finds solace in recognizing themselves in these jokes.
Laughter becomes a medium for expression, a space where one can be vulnerable, strong, and free all at once. This is exceptionally significant in a society where mental health, female autonomy, and personal boundaries are just beginning to be embraced. Twenty-one-year-old stand-up comedian Dariga Bilal embraces this freedom on stage, discussing relationships, growing up, and her observations about the opposite sex.
"Women's humor is just humor when a woman jokes and male humor is when a man does. Some people still find it surprising when a girl gets on stage and talks about herself and her life," Dariga confesses.
Photo: instagram.com/ainamussinator
The rise of female humor finds resonance, becomes beloved, lively, and necessary. Aina Musino, one of the most prominent stand-up comedians in Kazakhstan, exemplifies this.
Dariga brings fresh, honest topics to the forefront: growing up, parents, relationships, and fears. She laughs at herself, her awkward moments, and her family.
Photo: Almaty Central Stand-Up Club
"I'm a 21-year-old student trying to be an adult, so I often joke about that. However, I joke about my parents the most. This kind of humor isn't just about entertainment, but also about addressing the issues on the minds of an entire generation," Dariga shares.
Has there been a time when your performance was misconstrued because you're a woman?
- I haven't thought much about it. If a joke doesn't land, it's just not a good joke, not me.
Are there any specific traditions or taboos in Kazakh culture that affect women's humor?
- If you see everything as taboo, then yes, everything becomes taboo. But a comedian's mission is to twist perspectives. The more taboos, the more room there is for humor to flourish. And the stronger the pressure to conform, the louder your own voice becomes when it breaks away from stereotypes about women being compliant or the belief that beauty equates with lack of intelligence.
What's the biggest challenge as a woman comedian in Kazakhstan?
- Proving that I'm not a fluke on stage. And writing jokes, of course. But the audience's reaction makes it all worthwhile. It's especially rewarding when jokes resonate not only with the youth but also with adults. Maybe that's because I'm still trying to win my parents' approval.
Is there humor that unites women across the country, despite cultural differences?
- Yes, there is humor that unites women across the country, regardless of culture or region. We all wrestle with insecurities about what people will say, which I find hilarious.
Advice for young women interested in comedy?
- Write and perform. Don't fear being too inconvenient - that's the most authentic thing you can be. Because discomfort is also a form of strength, especially when it leads to laughter.
The future of women's comedy in Kazakhstan?
I envision stand-up comedy continuing to grow, particularly among women. It already has a voice, a strong, confident voice, full of humor and truth.
- The voice of female comedians in Kazakhstan is becoming louder and more diverse, moving beyond daily life jokes to self-expression and discussing taboo topics with a touch of humor.
- Women are creating their unique comedy formats, covering themes such as complex family dynamics, societal norms, relationships, and personal growth, all with a personal touch that makes the humor relatable.
- Female humor in Kazakhstan is making a significant impact, especially in the areas of mental health, female autonomy, and personal boundaries, as it provides a space for vulnerability and freedom of expression.
- Comedians like Dariga Bilal and Aina Musino are breaking stereotypes and discussing fresh, honest topics like growing up, parents, relationships, and fears, often with a focus on the humor derived from their own experiences.
- Despite cultural differences, there is humor that unites women across Kazakhstan, as they all grapple with shared insecurities and societal pressures.
- For young women interested in comedy, the advice is to write and perform, embracing their authenticity and discomfort, which can lead to strength and laughter.
- In the future, stand-up comedy among women is expected to continue growing, with a strong, confident voice that is full of humor and truth.
- The challenge for women comedians lies in proving they are not a fluke on stage and writing jokes that resonate not only with the youth but also with adults, even while trying to win over their own parents' approval.
