Kimasomaso - pretence:
Kufanya ~ to try to get out of a difficult argument, tight corner by trickery,
e.g. by pretending not to understand or to have forgotten.
Zuzu - imbecile, fool, idiot, blockhead,
simpleton.
Zuzuwaa - sink into oblivion, be
foolish/stupid.
In
English, an equivalent phrase is ‘playing dumb’.
Verb
play
dumb (third-person
singular simple present plays dumb, present participle playing dumb,
simple past and past participle played dumb)
To
pretend to be dumb, whether
1.
To feign muteness.
2.
To feign stupidity or ignorance of some knowledge, usually in order to avoid
responsibility or gain some advantage.
It
is interesting to note that some time back, BBC World Service Trust, conjured
up their own definition of the word ‘kimasomaso’ and contrived a syndicated
radio & television show using Kenya Television Network as a front/mask to
propagate their ideologies regarding reproduction to East Africa. The show was
taken down after backlash from people. The mis-definition of ‘kimasomaso’ seems
to be more induced by mischief rather than innocent ignorance. A preference to rather
self-deprecate themselves by appearing dumb than be honest and take
responsibility for their ideologies.
Self-deprecation,
or self-depreciation, is the act of “reprimanding oneself” by belittling,
undervaluing, disparaging oneself, or being excessively modest. It can be used
as a way to make complaints, express modesty, invoke optimal reactions, evade
responsibility or add humour. It may also be used as a way for individuals to
appear more likable and agreeable. Among “the masses”, self-deprecation often
reflects low self-esteem and is associated with depression and anxiety and has
become increasingly popular on social media, especially among Gen Z.
Purposes
1.
Self-defense
Self-deprecation
was recommended by philosophers of Stoicism as a response to insults. Instead
of getting defensive, people join in by insulting themselves even more.
According to the Stoics, this would remove the sting from the insult. It would
also disappoint the interlocutor because the person failed to show upset in
response to words that were supposed to “hurt them”, thereby reducing the
chance that they will try to upset the person like that again. People prefer
self-criticism over being criticized by others.
However,
researchers believe it can have an overall negative effect on users. It can
result in them feeling that they don't deserve praise and undermining their own
authority.
2.
Likability
The idea follows that engaging
in self-deprecation allows individuals to appear more likable by showing off
their flaws and deflecting praise. That people tend to have more negative
impressions of individuals who seem boastful and who talk positively about
themselves. They are often perceived as arrogant, but this doesn't occur when
one describes themselves in a negative way. That a person might self-deprecate
after achieving something in fear of their accomplishment threatening the
self-concept of others. That people with higher statuses (i.e., is wealthy, has
many accomplishments, are physically attractive) are perceived more positively
if they self-deprecate by highlighting their own personal flaws and downplay
their successes.
3.
Politeness
In
traditional British-English culture, self-deprecation is considered to be an
element of modesty. Modesty is considered a virtue, often contrasted to the
North American demonstration of self-confidence, often taken for boasting. This
is characteristic such as in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New
Zealand, where "blowing one's own trumpet" is frowned upon. In
stereotypical English behavior, belittling themselves means appearing polite by
putting someone else first.
4.
Comedy
Self-deprecation
is seen as a major component of the comedy of many North American comedians
such as Rodney Dangerfield, Woody Allen, Nathan Fielder, Don Knotts, Joan
Rivers, etc.
This is a link
to former British prime minister utilizing self-deprecating humor combined with
dark humor to appeal to the emotions of subjected people in Africa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGfpYFjh_eQ
Since
the rise of social media, self-deprecating humor has become increasingly
popular on certain social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and
TikTok, especially among Gen Z. This phenomenon can also be observed among
millennials who find satisfaction in self-humiliation. Self-deprecating jokes
typically revolve about feeling “dead inside”, having a mental illness or about
people blaming themselves for anything bad that happens in their life. These
posts tend to be more popular because it allows users to not feel alone in not
being able to live a “perfect life”. According to the American Psychological
Association, 91% of Gen Z between ages 18-21 have experienced at least one
physical or emotional symptom due to stress. This statistic is the highest rate
ever recorded, demonstrating the increase of mental health issues that Gen Z
experiences. In return, users turn to self-deprecating memes on social media to
cope.
Social
media can be public yet personal and has norms most users follow to avoid being
criticized. These types of self-deprecating jokes can let people feel free from
the pressure of needing to appear perfect. It lets users display their
less-desirable traits or habits while preventing feelings of embarrassment.
Boasting
on social media, just like in real life, is often connoted negatively and is
another reason why users gravitate towards self-deprecation to deceptively appear
more likable. People also tend to like a person more if positive information
about them is presented by a third party rather than from themselves, even if
it is the same information. Furthermore, using self-deprecating hash tags
allows individuals to be perceived as less arrogant and more humorous.
References
Austin, Adrienne B.;
Costabile, Kristi A.; Smith, Lauren (2021). "Social judgements, social
media, and self-deprecation: Role of information source and valence on trait
and favorability judgements". Journal of Media Psychology.
McMullin, C. (2019).
"Self-Depreciation: Why Do We Do It?". From Backpacks to Briefcases.
Arcadia University.
Mills, Sara (2017). "Self-deprecation".
English Politeness and Class. Cambridge University Press. pp. 66–68.
TUKI (2001), Kamusi Ya
Kiswahili-Kiingereza; Swahili-English Dictionary. Published by Taasisi ya
Uchunguzi wa Kiswahili (TUKI), Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Zizzo, Kira. (2019). "How
Self-Deprecating Humor has Defined the Mental Health Issues of Gen Z in an
Alarming Way". The Rock Online.
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