Using Humor to Understand Race

Race is a complicated and touchy subject, particularly in the United States.  Below you will find a series of videos that all deal with the issue of race through the lens of humor.  I encourage you to watch through them and ask yourself:
          Why is this funny?
          Or potentially why do I NOT find this funny?
         Would this humor be different if the identity of the comedian were different?
         What is the point the comedian or show is trying to make?
         Does the use of humor make the point easier or more difficult for you to "hear" as the listener?

         Do these commentaries on race resonate with you? 

Humor and comedy play with existing cultural structures - they highlight or twist values and ideas we share in suprising ways. 

Video 1: Key and Peele, Obama's Anger Translator 

Video 2: Trevor Noah, Live at the Apollo London

Video 3: Aamer Rahman (Fear of A Brown Planet) on "Reverse Racism"

  This is a YouTube "Comedy Week" video Titled "What kind of Asian Are You?" Highlighting the microagressions that people of Asian decent often face in the United States.

Margaret Cho talks about her experiences as an Asian American.

In this Key and Peele skit President Obama teaches Malia to drive and requests that the police officer treat him like anyone else...

Another Key and Peele sketch, this one commenting upon the shooting of Trayvon Martin.




Other videos that I could not embed: 

Gabriel Iglesias Talks about being a "Latino Comedian"
  http://www.cc.com/video-clips/18005l/stand-up-gabriel-iglesias--latino-comedian