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Flight of the Conchords is an HBO show about a folk-comedy musical duo from New Zealand trying to make it big in New York City. Though Borat and Conchords are different in tone and narrative, they both rely on the use of absurd stereotypes in their comedy.

Stereotypes about New Zealand are not as widespread as those of Eastern Europe, but Conchords relies on the same principle as Borat in assuming that most viewers really have no idea what the 'culture' or 'identity' of its characters might actually be like.

Through its references to Lord of the Rings, sheep, and sheep lawyers, Conchords makes us laugh while also reminding us how little we know about New Zealand (but also possibly reinforcing those stereotypes that do exist). One hilarious example is when the characters mention New Zealand's national sheep, Gary. They speak of Gary as if he’s a national hero, and make a bigger deal about him attending the opening of 'New Zealandtown' than of New Zealand's Prime Minister. The funny thing is that while it seems obvious to me that the idea of a 'national sheep' is a joke, it wouldn't really surprise me if New Zealand has such a thing, and that's the point.

Another example of Conchords playing on our ignorance is its depiction of the characters from New Zealand as being relatively simple-minded and naïve. The duo's band manager, Murray, suggests that they wear reflector vests and hats with a map of the U.S. embedded, so as to be safe and also 'fit in' in Manhattan. The notion is obviously quite silly, but it also draws on certain stereotypes of New Zealand and its people as being simple-minded, rural people in a foreign, urban setting, just like Borat. Conchords is certainly not as provocative, and doesn’t pretend to demonize anyone as Borat does (except maybe Australians – who the main characters insist have an ‘evil version’ of the New Zealand accent), but its certainly worth a comparison, and is definitely good for a laugh.

# posted by Gordon @ 1:44 PM