Author and filmmaker Negin Farsad calls herself a social justice comedian. She works to prove that humor — just like activism — can effectively challenge deep-seated and sclerotic prejudices about race and religion. In her recent book, “How to Make White People Laugh”, she addresses the mistreatment and misperceptions of Muslims in the US after 9/11. In this episode, she’s joined by radio host Dean Obeidallah and Imam Daayiee Abdullah, president and founder of the Mecca Institute. He’s one of the world’s only openly gay Imams. Farsad, Obeidallah, and Abdullah bring levity to serious, sometimes grim, topics in American cultural and political life. The discussion was held by the Aspen Institute’s Arts Program.
Catch up on previous episodes by visiting the Aspen Ideas Festival website.
Marci Krivonen is the associate editor and producer of public programs at the Aspen Institute.
The “Aspen Ideas to Go” podcast is a weekly show featuring fascinating speakers who have presented at the Aspen Ideas Festival and other public programs offered by the Aspen Institute — including Aspen Words, the Alma and Joseph Gildenhorn Book Series, and various events around the country. For a curated listening experience, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or listen to each episode on the Aspen Ideas website.
