Laughing to Keep from Dying: African American Satire in the Twenty-First Century

African American satire promotes social justice by subverting comedy's rules and expectations, connecting laughter with ethical beliefs in a revolutionary way. Danielle Fuentes Morgan examines how African American artists highlight the ways society racializes people and bolsters the myth of a post-racial nation, inspiring them to critique the idea racism no longer exists or the laughable notion of Americans not seeing racism or race.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2020
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

In a groundbreaking approach, African American satire subverts the rules and expectations of comedy, using laughter as a powerful tool for promoting social justice. Danielle Fuentes Morgan delves into a diverse range of comedic works, from Suzan-Lori Parks to Leslie Jones and Dave Chappelle, to explore the satirical treatment of race and racialization in contemporary African American culture. Through meticulous analysis, Morgan uncovers how African American artists highlight the societal mechanisms that perpetuate racialization and challenge the pervasive myth of a post-racial nation. This critical perspective inspires artists to address the notion that racism no longer exists or the absurd belief that Americans are blind to its existence. Their sharp critique not only challenges our perceptions of the boundaries between staged performance and lived experience but also offers innovative ways to articulate Black selfhood.

Laughing to Keep from Dying is a captivating exploration that unveils the illusions and anxieties surrounding race in the twenty-first century. Through the insightful lens of African American satirists, the book sheds light on the ways in which comedy can be used as a vehicle for social commentary and cultural critique. By subverting traditional comedic structures and norms, these artists challenge the status quo and provoke thought and discussion about important social issues.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the concept of racialization. Morgan demonstrates how African American satirists use humor to expose the ways in which society categorizes individuals based on their race and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. By highlighting these biases and prejudices, they challenge the notion that race is a fixed and immutable characteristic and instead emphasize the fluidity and complexity of human identity.

Another important aspect of African American satire is its ability to address the issue of race in a way that is both accessible and relatable to a broad audience. By using humor and wit, these artists break down complex social issues and make them accessible to people from all backgrounds. This not only helps to promote understanding and empathy but also encourages individuals to take action and work towards creating a more inclusive and just society.

In addition to its social justice implications, African American satire also offers a refreshing and entertaining perspective on contemporary life. By using humor to address serious topics, these artists create a sense of levity and joy that can be both cathartic and uplifting. This is particularly important in a time when social and political tensions are high and people are often feeling overwhelmed and disillusioned.

Overall, Laughing to Keep from Dying is a must-read for anyone interested in comedy, social justice, and the intersection of race and culture. Through its insightful analysis and engaging storytelling, the book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about these important issues and offers a glimpse into the powerful potential of humor to inspire change and promote social justice.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252085307