Jordanians cope with lockdown through humor, empathy and solidarity
Despite economic hardships and the lockdown imposed to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, Jordanians are coming together to help the needy while also turning to jokes to cope with this exceptional situation.
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.
