Comedian Teja Arboleda Uses Humor to Break Down Racial Barriers

When is the n-word or b-word an insult, and why do famous comedians like Richard Pryor and Margaret Cho use such slurs to get a laugh?

Teja Arboleda (right) uses his one-man performance, “Crossing the Line: Comedians, Politicians, and Shock Jocks,” to explore how popular entertainment has historically reinforced stereotypes. “I’m able to get the audience to realize that it’s not necessary to make a connection with someone by degrading them,” he says.

Arboleda’s own heritage crosses many racial lines—African-American/Native-American, Filipino-Chinese, and German-Danish. His documentary film, Crossing the Line: Multiracial Comedians, profiles a new generation of mixed-race comedians who are using humor to break down racial barriers. 

---

Ashlee Green wrote this piece for America: The Remix, the Spring 2010 issue of YES! Magazine. Ashlee is an editorial intern at YES!

 

See More Signs of a New American Identity:

Race Exhibit		Blended Nation		Loving Day, June 12		Tenant's Rights		US Social Forum		Colors Restaurant
Choosing Integration		The Hapa Project		Jen Chau, Swirl, Inc.		Teja Arboleda