Abstract
Muslim American stand-up comedy is a unique response to post-9/11 negative social discrimination where socially critical comedians
debate the stereotypes and realities of Muslim American life. Thus they continue an American minority tradition of engaging
with American social life through public humor. The analysis draws from functionalist theories of the sociology of humor in
order to discern the intended social messages of jokes that are meant to entertain and also educate. It shows how Muslim American
comedy intends to influence opinions held not only about Muslims but also amongst Muslims. The paper suggests how competing
forces related to being Muslim and American undercut the critical public humor of comedians who use these performances to
argue what American Muslims should be saying and doing in order to advance their cause for social justice.
debate the stereotypes and realities of Muslim American life. Thus they continue an American minority tradition of engaging
with American social life through public humor. The analysis draws from functionalist theories of the sociology of humor in
order to discern the intended social messages of jokes that are meant to entertain and also educate. It shows how Muslim American
comedy intends to influence opinions held not only about Muslims but also amongst Muslims. The paper suggests how competing
forces related to being Muslim and American undercut the critical public humor of comedians who use these performances to
argue what American Muslims should be saying and doing in order to advance their cause for social justice.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-25
- DOI 10.1007/s11562-011-0183-6
- Authors
- Jaclyn Michael, Department of Languages and Cultures of Asia, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1240 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Journal Contemporary Islam
- Online ISSN 1872-0226
- Print ISSN 1872-0218
