Stand-up Comedy on Social Justice: Reflections That Inspire Change

Humor has a unique capacity to diffuse tension and bring us closer to the deepest truths of our society. In my last stand-up comedy show of 2022, I explored topics that resonate with all of us: cultural prejudices, sexism, xenophobia, and homophobia. While it might seem like the main goal is to make people laugh, the truth is that comedy can be a powerful vehicle for social change.

Humor as a tool for social reflection

My show starts with laughs, yes, but those laughs hide a much deeper reflection. I arrived in Brazil in 2020, just before the pandemic, loaded with suitcases full of expectations and a handful of cultural ignorance. From the famous "biscoito vs. bolacha" to the difference between "buceta" and "ônibus," these small moments of confusion made me reflect on how stereotypes and prejudices affect our lives. Through comedy, I invite the audience to rethink cultural barriers and reflect critically on themselves.

However, what I really want to convey is that, beyond our linguistic and geographical differences, we all share the same challenges. From sexism that affects all Latin American societies to the xenophobia faced by migrants, we all confront similar problems. And that led me to a clear conclusion: respect, empathy, and love are the only answers to these adversities.

The transformative power of humor

In the academic sphere, several studies support the idea that comedy can be a driver of social change. According to John C. Meyer in his study "Humor as a Double-Edged Sword: Four Functions of Humor in Communication," published in Oxford Academic, humor can be a powerful tool to bring people together through shared values. However, it can also divide us, delineating acceptable and unacceptable norms in our societies.

This duality of humor is precisely what drives me to continue using comedy as a vehicle for social justice. By making people laugh, I invite them to think critically about their environment and reflect on the changes that need to happen in the world. This directly connects with the goals of the EPOG program (Economic Policies for the Global transition), which promotes sustainable and equitable economic development, based on social inclusion.

Unite through laughter: Social Justice and Sustainability

Humor also has the power to generate empathy and, in that sense, can be a tool to bring serious topics like sustainability closer to people. As Gregg Sangillo points out in his article "A Laughing Matter: Comedy’s Role in Social Change," published by American University, comedy can engage people on an emotional level and make them feel active in social change.

My comedy aims to do just that. Through jokes about daily life, cultural misunderstandings, and everyday situations, I want to show that sustainability is not just an environmental issue, but also a matter of social justice. From equal access to resources to equal opportunities, sustainability encompasses much more than we imagine, and it is something we must work on together to achieve.

Final Reflection: The Power of Respect and Empathy

I close my show with a reflection on what really unites us as human beings. The problems we face as a society—intolerance, selfishness, fear—are universal. But so are our solutions: respect, empathy, and love. These are the keys to building a fairer, more dignified, and sustainable future for all, and it's something each of us can begin to practice in our daily lives.

Just as comedy can make us laugh, it can also make us reflect. And my goal is that those reflections drive the change we so desperately need. Because, at the end of the day, we are more alike than we think. And in those similarities lies hope for a better future.

Conclusion: The Future is Now

Through my comedy, I want to inspire others to look beyond superficial differences and focus on what really matters: empathy, sustainability, and innovation as agents of change. As my platform states, Kunan: The Future is Now, and it depends on each of us to take action. I invite you to reflect on these issues and use humor as a tool to build a fairer and more equitable world.

If this reflection has inspired you, I invite you to enjoy my full show with subtitles in Spanish and Portuguese. Through humor, I will address these and other issues that affect us as a society. Don't miss it! Together, we can reflect, laugh, and build a fairer, more just, and sustainable future.