Events

This panel brings together a group of dynamic, politically-engaged stand-up comics, writers, and educators who use humor as a tool for raising social awareness. In the tradition of popular American humorists like Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, comedians have long been at the forefront of incisively "critiquing dominant forces in society," processing imperfections in our social fabric, and bringing to light to the discrepancies therein (Goldman, 2013). What role, if any, can humor play in the current political climate? Are there opportunities for collaboration among artists, scholars, and peacemakers? Through open discussion, we hope to explore the role of comedy in helping to create a space for critical intervention, dialogue, and reflection.