We’re calling Muslim comedian Dean Obeidallah “The Opening Act” for President Obama’s much ballyhooed “American Muslim Leaders Conference” at the White House February 4th—the White House 14. Obeidallah is a comedian. A Muslim Comedian. Clearly the President wanted to recognize Muslim humor!
“Obeidallah,” says Wikipedia, “is part of a small but growing number of Arab-American comedians who have increasingly received media attention in the past few years, as they use comedy to both entertain and dispel negative stereotypes of Arab-Americans and Muslims.” We could resist the urge to quibble with the Wikipedia characterization. But why? Are the negative views of Arabs and Muslims stereotypes? No! The characterization is well earned. Never-the-less there is “a small number of Muslim comedians” that Mr. Obeidallah was invited to represent at the White House Conference.
From the bit of research I have done on Mr. Obeidallah, I actually find he is at a polished professional level of comedic timing. Check him out for yourself in a minute or so:
There is, however, another much more authoritative declaration on Muslim humor.
There you have it.
The Patriot's Trumpet 