Jews and Comedy

Everyone knows Jews are funny. But the question is, why? With a history fraught with trauma and persecution, the Jewish people have historically used humor as a “release valve,” and even as a tool of survival. Jews have used their outsider status and the distinctive characteristics of Jewish humor - self-deprecation, challenging authority, and audacity - to rise disproportionately in the American comedy scene.

Big Ideas

1. Jews are disproportionately represented in American comedy.
2. The trauma Jews have endured for thousands of years serves as a source of inspiration for comedic content.
3. Despite generations and generations of persecution, Jews have developed the chutzpah to laugh and joke about our survival.

Essential Questions

1. What makes Jews so funny?
2.  Is it ok to joke about touchy subjects?
3.  Should comedians have free reign to make jokes about any subject they choose