Комерціалізація жартів і дегуманізація людства в нігерійській стендап-комедії

The aim of the article is to trace the nexus of comedy, capitalism and cultural ethics, as well as to interrogate ethical boundaries of jokes in an age where laughter has become a commodified product. Important issues raised are the following: How does the commodification of jokes in Nigerian stand-up comedy contribute to the dehumanisation of individuals and communities? What are the implications of such dehumanisation for social cohesion and cultural identity? How might ethical standards be redefined to balance comedic freedom with social responsibility? This study aims to expose the ethical blind spots in modern comedic practices and offer frameworks for the creation and production of jokes that are both commercially viable and socially responsible. Results. The proliferation of digital media and informal economics in Nigeria has transformed jokes from simple expressions of humour into lucrative commodities. This shift, although seemingly benign, has serious implications for the dignity and humanity of Nigerians, particularly marginalised groups. By analysing performances of notable Nigerian comedians such as Basketmouth, AY, Akpororo, Taaooma, Lizzy Gold Onuwaje, Mr. Macaroni, Edopikin, Porcupine and others, the authors of this article criticise how humour is weaponised for commercial gains at the expense of empathy and social justice. They study digital skits, stand-up comedy, social media content, and mainstream media jokes. The researchers analyse how jokes trade on stereotypes related to ethnicity, gender, disability, and poverty. While interrogating how commodified jokes in Nigeria contribute to the dehumanisation of the vulnerable populations, they also view ethical and cultural implications of this phenomenon. The scientific novelty grounds on the authors’ appliance of a variety of investigative techniques in studying the fusion of jokes as commodities and highlighting current tendencies of dehumanising humanity in Nigeria. The ways in which comedians exploit cultural stereotypes for financial gain are exposed. Conclusions. This article studies the fusion of jokes, commodification and dehumanisation in Nigeria, focusing on how comedians convert cultural stereotypes into profit. This research argues for an urgent need to rethink ethical boundaries in the production and consumption of jokes. Through critical discourse analysis and cultural theory, it is emphasised that by commercialising jokes, the Nigerian society risks reinforcing structural inequalities and dulling public sensitivity to human suffering.