Breaking down stereotypes in amusing form

Tissa Hami, one of the world’s few Muslim stand-up comics, gave UNC a taste of her precocious sense of humor last night in the University Center Ballrooms. With nothing but an empty stage and a podium, Hami gave new perspective on being an Iranian-American woman in an unconventional way: with wit, humor and a sharp tongue.

The free event was sponsored by the University of Northern Colorado’s Center for International Education and Women’s Resource Center.

“We had brought another female Muslim comedian to UNC two years ago, and it was so well-received that we wanted to give Tissa her turn,” said Yvette Lucero-Nguyen, a coordinator for the Women’s Resource Center.

Lucero-Nguyen went on to clarify that Hami had been booked to come to the university a few years ago, but had to cancel at the last minute because of family matters.
Hami’s show definitely seemed to have been well worth the wait. She had the audience in stitches with her unapologetic humor that broached topics many would consider to be taboo in today’s society. Hami explained that many of the stories she tells stem from personal experience and that part of her mission in comedy is to break down stereotypes.

“I’m a comedian first, so mostly it’s my goal to get people to laugh,” said Hami, who also said she hadn’t always dreamed of becoming a comedian. “It’s a huge bonus if I can also get them to think.”

Before taking a small stand-up class that covered the very basics of live comedy, Hami said she had a very different and much more structured lifestyle in which she worked on Wall Street, went to graduate school and interned for non-profit organizations. The Ivy League graduate said that it wasn’t until the tragic events of Sept. 11 that she really felt the push to venture forth and spread her message of acceptance through humor.

After the stand-up portion of the evening, Hami imparted with the audience the most important lessons she has learned from having a career in comedy. The one lesson that seemed to stick out is that of not pre-judging one’s audience.She explained that through comedy she was able to break down the stereotypes she didn’t even realize she had of other people and find a place that she could belong in the United States.

“I think that a lot of times comedy can be controversial,” said Fabiola Mora, a graduate student studying for her masters in higher education and student affairs. “I think she did a good job of explaining what she does and how she’s aiming to break down stereotypes.”

At the end of the show, Hami opened up the floor for questions from the audience. She also encouraged students to challenge themselves on the issue of stereotyping as well as other social issues that surround our country.
Whether audience members showed up just for a good laugh or with the intent to learn something new about a culture not their own, everyone left the show with a little more knowledge and understanding.

Sponsors of the event said that they are hoping for another great turnout for the next act they bring. As of right now that has not been decided. Students have been encouraged by the Women’s Resource Center to take part in the celebration of Women’s Appreciation month throughout March. A series of informational events will take place.