Jordanians cope with lockdown through humor, empathy and solidarity

As the country enters its third week of nationwide lockdown, Jordanians are coping with curfews, self-isolation and social distancing. Indeed, the nation of almost 10 million is even finding a new way of adapting to the social and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus through humor. 

Unlike Egyptians, who are famous for their quick wit and sarcasm, Jordanians are more generally viewed as reserved, serious and glum. But since the Arab Spring of 2011, the national mood has been changing. Increasingly, Jordanians have become more open in mocking dire economic and social conditions. In a country where 90% of households have a smartphone, Jordanians have become increasingly active on social media, especially Facebook, and exchanging messages and videos through WhatsApp.

Since the lockdown went into effect March 17, Jordanians have resorted to social media to express their frustrations while trying to cope with having to stay at home for weeks. On March 25, authorities eased restrictions after failing to distribute bread to households, and imposed a partial curfew from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. while allowing people to shop during the day but only on foot. Trapped in their homes, Jordanians began exchanging jokes and parodies by making fun of the lockdown and of being stranded with spouses and children, and even posing cynical existential questions.

One joke that went viral goes like this: A daughter asks her mother, “Where is Dad, I haven’t seen him for while?” Mother replies, “He’s in the garden.” Daughter says: “No, he’s not.” Mother responds: “Well, you have to dig to find him!” Another popular joke is this confession by someone who says, “I have become so close to my wife under the lockdown that I almost told her about my girlfriends!” Another one says, “If you get coronavirus symptoms make sure you kiss your enemies on the cheek asking them for forgiveness!”