2008 Woodie Awards
South Asian Comedian Addresses Stereotypes
Paul Galuskin
Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: News
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As part of the spring festivities, the Muslim Student Organization and the psychology club hosted Muslim comedian Azhar Usman.
Usman's comedy left no group unchallenged. He tackled issues from race relations and religious tolerance.
"Muslim holidays are confusing to non-Muslims," said Usman. "The holiday of Eid ul Fitr (the end of Ramadan) is verified by the sighting of the new moon, therefore trying to get the day off of work from a non-Muslim boss, when you're not sure which day it will be, is hard to explain."
One audience member, Usker Naqui, joked about Usman's performance, but he also enjoyed it
"I came for the cookies, but the comedy was good too," said Naqui." I'm South-Asian, too and I liked his South-Asian humor"
Speaking of Usman's South-Asian (Indian) heritage, he made many cultural references.
"South-Asian weddings are unlike weddings anywhere else in the world," said Usman. "American weddings last one day, South-Asian weddings last about a month; the celebrations occur to make two people happy-- the two mothers."
Home life and politics were also topics he covered with humor.
"Being a father," said Usman, "I see that Barack Obama stole Bob the Builder's slogan"
After the show, one young spectator, Hasan Abid said that he liked the show and he would like to be a comedian when he grows up.
In an interview after the performance, Uzman explained what comedy means to him.
"My job is to make people laugh, but I have only truly done my job, if I can make people laugh and think."
When speaking about his inspirations of comedy he gave his favorite quote.
"Lenny Bruce said, 'A comedian who can consistently make audiences laugh has mastered his craft, but if he can also simultaneously raise the morals of his community, then he is a skilled craftsman.'"
Ashar Usman will be in the film "Allah Made Me Funny-The Official Muslim Comedy Tour," which is scheduled for release in selected theatres, later in the year.
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