For years now, I've been a huge fan of comedy...and especially after seeing the 'Axis of Evil Comedy Tour' featuring Maz Jobrani, Dean Obeidallah and Aron Kader. Jobrani, an Iranian-American comic, joins Arab-Americans Obeidallah and Kader to make people laugh, Arab, Iranian and non-Arab/Iranian alike with jokes that break down barriers of fear and damaging stereotypes. Obediallah, a former SNL writer, joined forces with Kader and Jobrani to do what many ethnic comics have done, use stereotypes and real-world issues to make people laugh and take the issues a little less seriously. Although the Axis of Evil comedy tour is not active anymore, Jobrani has just released a new comedy DVD and Obeidallah and Kader have connected with Palestinian-New Jersey native Maysoon Zayid to bring 'Arabs Gone Wild' to comedy fans. I attended the kick-off show for 'Arabs Gone Wild' in DC, during a huge snowstorm I might add...but to a packed and sold-out show. In addition to featuring "Morman-Palestinian" Kader, the comedy event introduced two up and coming Arab-American comedians, Said Durrah and Eman. The event threw props at the very successful efforts at offering Arab comedians the opportunity to peform and get exposure in the Middle East at this year's Second Annual Amman Comedy Festival. According to international media and Obediallah's frequent Facebook posts regarding the event, was a huge success. Comedy, like music, film, food and theatre, is a powerful tool to build connections and relationships between the Middle East and the West. If you get the chance to attend one of these shows, or one of Jobrani's shows, I'd highly recommend it! You'll laugh your keffiyeh off ;)
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