International Journal of Cultural Studies Special Issue Proposal

The Social Activism of Comedy

Editors: Raúl A. Mora & Simon Weaver

Abstract
Authors are invited to submit abstracts for a special issue of the International Journal of Cultural Studies on social activism and comedy, in which articles will investigate the role of the comedian as “trickster” in discourse and society. Comedy has been traditionally viewed as an aesthetic entertainment medium, and one that has often been charged with encouraging stereotypical remarks and the affirmation of mainstream audience beliefs (Weaver, 2011). However, there have been moments in recent history where comedians have given their performances an increased level of social and political consciousness that resonates with the public at large, or with sections of that public. George Carlin’s “seven words”, Eddie Murphy’s “White Like Me” mock documentary on Saturday Night Live, or Dave Chappelle’s “Racial Draft” on his Comedy Central show are examples where comedians tackle issues of racial inequality or censorship head-on in ways that resonate with society. Other notorious examples include the discussions about race found in Chris Rock’s comedy (Mora, 2009) or the political awareness and poignancy present in the current affairs comedy programmes of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Comedians, we argue, are able to reach this level of social consciousness due to the very nature of their discourse and their position as “tricksters” (Vizenor, 1988). Trickster comedy is “an uncertain humour that denies aestheticism, translation and imposed representations” (Vizenor, 1988: p. x). Thus, comedians are able to open spaces for discussions about gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, and other issues that through other outlets might be considered taboo or may be confined by the limits of hegemonic political or politically correct discourse.

This particular nature of comedy discourse, and the possibilities for social activism that past and present comedians in different countries and languages are continuously exploring, is the motivation for this special issue. Although this issue will be published in English, we are seeking submissions of scholarly discussions from around the world on how comedians are pushing the envelope to discuss controversial topics betwixt and between their jokes. We seek articles that discuss comedy from multiple disciplines, theoretical perspectives and methodologies.

Possible topics for this special issue include:
• Intersections between Critical Race Theory and ethnic comedy
• Feminism and comedy
• Political satire as a new source of accountability
• Pedagogical uses of comedy in today’s classrooms
• Comedy as a tool against discrimination
• The political potential of offensive comedy

Abstract submission
Please submit paper titles and abstracts of up to 300 words for consideration by the special issue editors to [log in to unmask] by 31st July 2012.

References
Mora, R. A. (2009). ‘Critical Race Comedy: Racial Comedy’s Contributions to CRT Discourse and its Counternarratives’. Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry
Vizenor, G. (1988). The Trickster of Liberty: Tribal heirs to a wild patronage. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.
Weaver, S. (2011). The Rhetoric of Racist Humour: US, UK and Global Race Joking. Farnham Surrey: Ashgate Publications.


Dr Simon Weaver
Lecturer in Communications and Media Studies
Sociology and Communications
School of Social Sciences
Brunel University
Uxbridge
UB8 3PH
UK
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel: 01895 265029
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