Humor is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments, disagreements, and hurts. Laughter unites people during difficult times...

It is a well known fact that laughter is healthy. Laughter heals. Laughter relaxes. Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter strengthens relationships, attracts us to others, enhances team work, defuses conflict and promotes group bonding. It’s no wonder comedians tease and joke about difficult times in their life and in the world. If the people of the world did not laugh they would cry with every thought of disease, poverty, hate and violence that plagues this world.

I grew up in a decade of hate. I was only 12 years old when the terrorists of 9/11 crashed flight 11 into the world trade center. This was the only time I had ever heard anything about terrorists, Arabs, Iranians or anything from the Middle East. I could not understand why anyone would do this.  I did not understand why this had happen. All I knew is that America in its entirety disliked ( I am aware that that is an understatement) middle eastern people.

It has been almost 11 years since the attack and people are still bitter and scarred. Such a damaging wound to our people and country is not likely to disappear quickly, but slowly we are beginning to laugh about some of the aspects. Not in disrespect but to lighten the mood. Maz Jobrani  jokes about how you do not see a Middle Eastern man flying an airplane in a commercial promoting flights or how you ONLY see the scary Middle Eastern man burning the American flag on the news.

Firoozeh Dumas uses comedy as a way to tell her difficult and somewhat hilarious adventure of growing up Iranian in America. She faces hardships, racism, ignorance and hate but uses humor to tell her tales in an entertaining enlightening way.

Comedic absurdity is absolutely NEEDED during times of heightened political tension, sadness, stress, disease, hate, happiness and health. Comedic absurdity keeps us sane, intact and makes light of usually serious and depressing issues. Comedic absurdity has the potential to heal. 

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