I think that, for so much of our matriculation through American society, black people sort of feel like outsiders.
Kenya BarrisRead
I believe comedy is a really good lens to filter serious issues through. If people are laughing, they don't necessarily realize until they stop laughing that they just took something in that's going to start a conversation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Comedy can help people engage with serious topics in a more approachable way.
Kenya Barris highlights the power of comedy as a tool for addressing serious issues. By using humor, audiences can absorb challenging concepts without the immediate weight of their gravity, allowing laughter to create a bridge to deeper conversations once the humor fades.
Themes
ComedyHumorConversationSerious IssuesLaughter
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote while discussing the role of comedy in social commentary during a workshop.
More from Kenya Barris
All quotes →I've found that the more honest and true you are and can talk about a character and people's experiences, it's less ostracizing. It actually has the opposite effect than one would think. It makes the characters and the story more inclusive.
Kenya BarrisRead
Similar quotes
The only rules comedy can tolerate are those of taste, and the only limitations those of libel.
James ThurberRead
SIREN, n. One of several musical prodigies famous for a vain attempt to dissuade Odysseus from a life on the ocean wave. Figuratively, any lady of splendid promise, dissembled purpose and disappointing performance.
Ambrose BierceRead
I want my audience to be my friends - that is when they will get the best comedy. If they see me as a performer, they won't get the best show.
Trevor NoahRead
I am sorry to tell you that I am getting very extravagant and spending all my money: and what is worse for you, I have been spending yours too.
Jane AustenRead
I think a playful critique is good for all of us, and that's basically how I see satire functioning. But I'm not interested in a kind of contemptuous satirical vision; I try always, even when I'm knowingly being satirical, to also be humane, but I mean, let's face it: there's plenty in American life to make fun of, and we all participate in it.
Jennifer EganRead
You have to laugh at things in order to let them be what they truly are. Because nothing is only sad. Nothing is only funny. There's context to all of those things.
Lucy DacusRead