Comedy, in its worst and best forms, helps societies test what it means to say “us” and what lines we can or cannot bear crossing. Precisely because of its ability to poke fun at those in power or serve as segue into meaningful commentary, satire is both clearly visible and applauded in film and television, from The Muslims are Coming to The Last Man Standing. That said, the #OscarsSoWhite movement which followed on from #BlackLivesMatter, has shed light on the lack of diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry as well as the ongoing use of racial, religious, and gendered stereotypes, which normalize prejudice. Hear well-known comedians discuss the power of comedy and satire in informing audiences and combating religious and racial bigotry while also touching on the challenges of poking fun at belief systems or provocative social issues.

Speakers

• Ashley DEE, Comedian and Activist, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA @ashleydeecomedy
• Dean OBEIDALLAH, Comedian, Writer and Co-director, The Muslims are Coming; and Host, "The Dean Obeidallah Show" On SiriusXM, New York City, New York, USA @DeanObeidallah
• Jenny YANG, Comedian, Actor, and Executive Show Editor, “Last Man Standing,” Los Angeles, California, USA  @jennyyangtv

Moderator

• Jaweed KALEEM, National Correspondent, The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, USA @jaweedkaleem

Click here for headshots and biographies.

Mahalo to the following organizations for supporting this event and sharing it with their members:

Comedy, in its worst and best forms, helps societies test what it means to say “us” and what lines we can or cannot bear crossing. Precisely because of its ability to poke fun at those in power or serve as segue into meaningful commentary, satire is both clearly visible and applauded in film and television, from The Muslims are Coming to The Last Man Standing. That said, the #OscarsSoWhite movement which followed on from #BlackLivesMatter, has shed light on the lack of diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry as well as the ongoing use of racial, religious, and gendered stereotypes, which normalize prejudice. Hear well-known comedians discuss the power of comedy and satire in informing audiences and combating religious and racial bigotry while also touching on the challenges of poking fun at belief systems or provocative social issues.

Speakers

• Ashley DEE, Comedian and Activist, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA @ashleydeecomedy
• Dean OBEIDALLAH, Comedian, Writer and Co-director, The Muslims are Coming; and Host, "The Dean Obeidallah Show" On SiriusXM, New York City, New York, USA @DeanObeidallah
• Jenny YANG, Comedian, Actor, and Executive Show Editor, “Last Man Standing,” Los Angeles, California, USA  @jennyyangtv

Moderator

• Jaweed KALEEM, National Correspondent, The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, USA @jaweedkaleem

Click here for headshots and biographies.

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Mahalo to the following organizations for supporting this event and sharing it with their members: