Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 82%

One of the best ways to understand a group of people is to know what makes them laugh. Laughter encompasses the limits of the soul and serves social, psychological, and physiological functions. In humor, life is redefined and accepted. Irony and satire provide much keener insights into a group's collective psyche and values than do years of research. It has always been a great disappointment to Native Americans that the humorous side of their life has not been mentioned by experts on native American affairs. Rather, the image of the stern-faced redskin has been presented by the American Westerns.

What does the author seem to favor?

Rationale

Research into Native American humor.

The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the humorous aspects of Native American life, suggesting that insights gained from humor are more revealing than traditional research methods. This perspective highlights a desire for recognition of the cultural significance of laughter and humor within Native American communities.

A (The study of ancient Native American traditions) YOUR ANSWER

While acknowledging the value of traditions, this choice does not align with the author’s focus on humor specifically. The text critiques the lack of attention given to humor rather than exploring ancient traditions, which are not the primary concern in the passage.

B (The study of ancient American humor) YOUR ANSWER

This option suggests a broader scope that includes all of ancient American humor, not specifically Native American humor. The author’s argument is concentrated on the unique humor of Native Americans and the disappointment stemming from its neglect, thus making this choice less relevant.

C (Research into Native American humor) CORRECT

This choice accurately reflects the author's advocacy for recognizing and studying the humorous aspects of Native American life, which the text clearly supports. The author believes that understanding this humor provides deeper insights into the culture and psyche of Native Americans.

D (Preservation of Native American languages) YOUR ANSWER

While language preservation is an important aspect of cultural identity, the passage does not discuss this directly. The author’s focus is on humor rather than language, making this choice irrelevant to the main argument presented.

Conclusion

The author strongly favors research into Native American humor as a vital tool for understanding the cultural and psychological dimensions of these communities. By highlighting the neglect of humor in scholarly work, the text calls for more attention to this often-overlooked aspect of Native American life, emphasizing its importance in defining their identity and values.

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