WCU has a laugh
Adria Eichner
Issue date: 9/27/05 Section: News
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He noted being called names such as riceball, boatperson and even Mexicanese. Although he makes jokes about it, Dat Phan still focused on how ridiculous racial hatred really is. People still make comments to him about the Vietnam War simply because he is Vietnamese. He proceeded to explain that he was nothing but a fetus when that conflict was occurring so to blame him is ridiculous. Many prejudices andstereotypes are the result of past events, and it is true that people of this generation did not even have a part in those actions.
After the comedy routine was finished, there was a ten-minute highlight video of Dat Phan's career and then a question and answer segment. A variety of questions were asked, but many focused on how comedy and fame had changed Phan's life. He said, "I'm an ordinary guy who works an extraordinary job. People shouldn't work jobs that they are not passionate about." When asked about how he decided to become a comedian, he said that he discovered comedy in college while taking a public speaking class. He enjoyed making people laugh, so he decided to try some stand-up work. Now he says that 85% of his income is from college shows, and he really relates better to the younger adults. Since he is going back to school in the spring to get a Master's degree, he feels welcome in the university setting.
Several people also asked questions concerning the racial jokes that are prominent throughout Phan's performance. Phan noted that younger Asians completely support his work and have few problems with any of the jokes he tells about their culture. Older Asians though tend to get more offended and will let him know that they disapprove of his form of humor.
The show highlighted the growing need for cultural understanding and acceptance on college campuses. Dat Phan's performance brought racial issues into the spotlight in a way that was both humorous and informative. Melissa Chapman, a junior in graphic design, said, "I thought the show was great. I hope he comes back next year because the people who didn't come missed out." Students left the program with a better idea of Asian culture and hopefully a newfound respect for diversity.
After the comedy routine was finished, there was a ten-minute highlight video of Dat Phan's career and then a question and answer segment. A variety of questions were asked, but many focused on how comedy and fame had changed Phan's life. He said, "I'm an ordinary guy who works an extraordinary job. People shouldn't work jobs that they are not passionate about." When asked about how he decided to become a comedian, he said that he discovered comedy in college while taking a public speaking class. He enjoyed making people laugh, so he decided to try some stand-up work. Now he says that 85% of his income is from college shows, and he really relates better to the younger adults. Since he is going back to school in the spring to get a Master's degree, he feels welcome in the university setting.
Several people also asked questions concerning the racial jokes that are prominent throughout Phan's performance. Phan noted that younger Asians completely support his work and have few problems with any of the jokes he tells about their culture. Older Asians though tend to get more offended and will let him know that they disapprove of his form of humor.
The show highlighted the growing need for cultural understanding and acceptance on college campuses. Dat Phan's performance brought racial issues into the spotlight in a way that was both humorous and informative. Melissa Chapman, a junior in graphic design, said, "I thought the show was great. I hope he comes back next year because the people who didn't come missed out." Students left the program with a better idea of Asian culture and hopefully a newfound respect for diversity.