Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.
Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
Aspen Institute
Blog Posts, and Podcasts
How to Make White People Laugh
June 8, 2016
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.
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.
