1986/10/01 by Elizabeth R. Simons · 15 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Art #Astrobiology #History #Joke #Literature #Physics #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life #Space exploration and regulation
paper · doi:10.2307/1499821
published in Western Folklore 45(4), 261 (Western States Folklore Society)
openalex publication_date 1986/10/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
of solace for American public and praised astronauts as heroes. A quite different response was cycle of NASA or Shuttle jokes. The jokes usually are perceived by people who tell them to be single joke cycle about NASA. But in fact cycle contains two sets of jokes which share common catalyst, explosion of shuttle, but which have different targets. Half Shuttle jokes are about National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, and astronauts. The other half are about an unrelated but equally prominent American institution, public schools. The American space effort has been, as noted in The Washington Post, the pride of American people . . . powerful political symbol in this country, linked closely to America's image as global leader.'' Americans had come to believe that NASA was smooth running, trouble free agency with a serene, always-in-control reputation.2 NASA was perhaps last unsullied American institution embodying American ideals of clean living, hard work, technological know-how and engaged in business of conquering