WCU has a laugh
Adria Eichner
Issue date: 9/27/05 Section: News
On Sept. 22, students of West Chester University got the opportunity to experience the comic performance of Dat Phan, the winner of NBC's "Last Comic Standing." The Asian American Organization brought this comedian to campus as part of the Contemporary Issues Program. This specific program was about more then just comedy, though. Students got a chance to learn about Asian culture and the various forms of racism that can occur in the United States.
Dat Phan was actually born in Saignon, Vietnam in 1975.He immigrated to the United States and grew up in San Diego, California. After the events of September 11, 2001, Phan decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of doing standup comedy. He lived out of his car for a short time and eventually found himself sleeping under a desk in a tiny apartment. Phan decided to try out for the NBC show, "Last Comic Standing,"and eventually he found himself in the top 5 contestants. After winning the show, Phan appeared on such television shows as "The West Wing" and "Jay Leno." He has also done voiceovers for the show "Family Guy." His appearance on Comedy Central and in several major motion pictures has further cemented his fame.
The opening act consisted of a Kurdish comic who focusedmany of his jokes on the racial differences that he faces in everyday life. After this performance, Dat Phan began his routine. For aboutan hour, Phan entertained the audience with his impressions, jokes and stories. Many of his jokes focused on Vietnamese culture and the effect it has had on his life. His mother and father were the mainfocus of many of the stories, andPhan had no problem getting laughs about his family's culture. He mentioned how the majority of the roles he has gotten in shows and movies are stereotypical Asian characters. He also mentioned how he does not fit the stereotype of a standard Asian citizen. For example Phan said, "I was the only Asianto fail a math class. Unfortunately, eight kids around me failed then, too." Phan also mentioned how ridiculous racial slurs can become.
Dat Phan was actually born in Saignon, Vietnam in 1975.He immigrated to the United States and grew up in San Diego, California. After the events of September 11, 2001, Phan decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of doing standup comedy. He lived out of his car for a short time and eventually found himself sleeping under a desk in a tiny apartment. Phan decided to try out for the NBC show, "Last Comic Standing,"and eventually he found himself in the top 5 contestants. After winning the show, Phan appeared on such television shows as "The West Wing" and "Jay Leno." He has also done voiceovers for the show "Family Guy." His appearance on Comedy Central and in several major motion pictures has further cemented his fame.
The opening act consisted of a Kurdish comic who focusedmany of his jokes on the racial differences that he faces in everyday life. After this performance, Dat Phan began his routine. For aboutan hour, Phan entertained the audience with his impressions, jokes and stories. Many of his jokes focused on Vietnamese culture and the effect it has had on his life. His mother and father were the mainfocus of many of the stories, andPhan had no problem getting laughs about his family's culture. He mentioned how the majority of the roles he has gotten in shows and movies are stereotypical Asian characters. He also mentioned how he does not fit the stereotype of a standard Asian citizen. For example Phan said, "I was the only Asianto fail a math class. Unfortunately, eight kids around me failed then, too." Phan also mentioned how ridiculous racial slurs can become.