Comedy show addresses black, Jewish stereotypes
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/04/2009
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Banishing stereotypes just got a whole lot more fun.
The Black Jew Dialogues will be held at 7 p.m. today in Fowler Hall. The hour-long comedy show will examine complicated issues relating to closely-held stereotypes about African American and Jewish culture.
“This is a comedy show from two people that will talk about cultural issues and frame it in the context of comedy,” said Lynn Marsh, a graduate adviser for the Purdue Student Union Board.
The show was written by Emmy-winners Ron Jones and Larry Jay Tish, who have devoted much of their time to developing fun educational programs for children and adults alike. The Black Jew Dialogues is just one such show, focusing on the hatred, bigotry and bias that still pervade American society.
The admission-free event is being sponsored by PSUB.
Rohit Agarwal, director of cultural events for PSUB, said the performance promises an entertaining look at how we perceive cultural differences.
“There are many stereotypes about the black culture and about the Jew culture, and this show is trying to break that in a fun way,” he said. “It’s entertaining as well as enlightening.”
Those in attendance will be asked to participate in a pre- and post-show questionnaire which has been developed to guide discussion of the issues raised during the performance. The show will be followed by a half-hour discussion to enable students to engage in an exchange of ideas. Attendees are encouraged to stay and participate.
“Students will be able to learn about life from a perspective other than their own,” Marsh said. “Since this is not a homogeneous society, we should take these opportunities to learn about other cultures.”