Comedy serves us as a form for people to connect with each other, and I believe that racial comedy is a form of humor that many comedians use for this purpose. In the Code Switch article “What Makes a Good Race Joke?” We dive into the realm of racial comedy, exploring its purposes and the perspectives of some guest comedians regarding who can and cannot make such jokes, and what makes these jokes good. 

Throughout the podcast, the hosts engage in discussions with some guest comedians, looking into various personal experiences where they deemed racial comedy acceptable. An overall consensus was made, explaining that these jokes are best used in order to educate an audience. For example, Max Jobrani, a guest speaker, shares his experience using the January 6th Capitol Riots into his comedy routine. He humorously highlights the irony of rioters being upset about being unable to board their flights the following day where he connects this back to his Islamic heritage by jokingly remarking, “Welcome to my world, motherfuckers.” He continues his joke, explaining that Muslims, unlike the rioters, would not complain but would “just hijack the next plane” instead. Through comedy, Jobrani effectively conveys a shared frustration that many Muslims experience flying post-9/11. I wholeheartedly agree with his approach to using comedy as a pathway into educating people, even if it involves humor that some may not find appropriate. I believe that a good racial joke arises when it ties into a broader picture and resonates with one’s specific racial or cultural background. 

On the surface, such jokes can be seen as insensitive, particularly in our modern cultural climate, and I do agree. Many of these jokes are inappropriate. Nevertheless, I do feel as though those who hold this strong viewpoint may overlook the underlying idea behind these many comedian’s jokes. Comedians, much like authors or TV writers, often infuse their humor with a central theme or overarching idea. In many cases people miss these ideas and hyperfixate on the racial aspects of comedians’ jokes.  In my opinion, as long as these jokes are delivered by individuals from the same racial or cultural backgrounds, people shouldn’t take too much offense, as it connects back to their own experiences and lives. After all, who better to make jokes about a particular background than someone who is from that background? However, I do draw a clear line when it comes to individuals attempting to make jokes about a background they do not share, believing that offense is definitely permitted.