Arabs Are Funny
Posted on 08 March 2010
Every so often, we find something to do on a Saturday night that doesn’t consist solely of drinking. At home. By ourselves. While trying to one-up each other with YouTube clips in the “music video nostalgia game.”
Last Saturday was one such night.
We ventured out of the house and into a comedy club to watch Brian Posehn, who is probably known best for his role on the Sarah Silverman Program. He also did a voice over in this year’s Scooby Doo! Abracadabra-Doo. Chances are, you haven’t seen either. But I can assure you he is HILARIOUS. Really funny guy.
And so was his opening act, Remy Munasifi. I’d never heard of him, but apparently he’s something of an internet sensation. He’s also an Arab-American, just like yours truly.
I was pleasantly surprised because let’s face it, there are just so few representations of our peeps in the media. Other than, you know, the occasional Indian actor playing a nondescript Arab terrorist on 24 or a magic-carpet-riding Disney prince.
Like so many minority comedians, Remy’s background is very much a part of his act. Whether he’s singing his famous “Tabouleh Song,” talking about airport security, or playing his alter ego Habib, the 29-year-old pokes fun at himself and the stereotypes that surround him. It may not have been the funniest stand-up I’d ever seen, but it hit home in a way I’d never really experienced before. I’m pretty sure that some of his jokes were only funny to the Middle Easterners in the room. In other words, me and him. Which is always fun.
By the end of the show, I was starting to grow a little tired of the self-deprecating Arab jokes (and if you know me, you know I love me some self-deprecating Arab jokes). Maybe his YouTube channel will prove otherwise, but I just wouldn’t want him to become a one-trick pony. Especially since he’s all we’ve got.
YOU’RE ALL WE’VE GOT, REMY. No pressure.
Now that I’m on a comedy kick, I’m tempted to get way over-priced StubHub tickets to see Chelsea Handler in Nob Hill on Friday. I’m not crazy about Chelsea Lately, but what I’ve seen of her stand-up has had me in convulsions.
Plus, she’s a woman and she loves Vodka, just like yours truly.
5 responses to Arabs Are Funny
You should check out Ali Mafi, he’s a hilarious gay Arab-American comedian who is based in SF, really funny stuff. I’ve seen him three times now.
Thanks Jeff, I’ll definitely check him out!
Hey T, ever heard of Ahmed Ahmed? he was always a side actor on punked, but now he’s doing the rounds in the comedy circuit and is pretty hilarious. check out his website.
Will do, thanks Motez! Looks like I need to brush up on my Arab comedians, big time.
Tony Shaloub is an Arab-American comedian. So are a bunch of other people:
http://www.aaiusa.org/arab-americans/23/famous-arab-americans