How to Make White People Laugh

By: Negin Farsad

Narrated by: Negin Farsad

From the acclaimed writer, director, and star of the hit documentary The Muslims are Coming! comes a memoir in essays about growing up Iranian-American in a post-9/11 world and the power of comedy to combat racism.



Negin Farsad is an Iranian-American-Muslim female stand-up comedian who believes she can change the world through jokes. And yes, sometimes that includes fart jokes. In this candid and uproarious book, Farsad shares her personal experiences growing up as the "other" in an American culture that has no time for nuance. In fact, she longed to be black and/or Mexican at various points of her youth, you know, like normal kids. Right? RIGHT?

Writing bluntly and hilariously about the elements of race we are often too politically correct to discuss, Farsad takes a long hard look at the iconography that still shapes our concepts of "black," "white," and "Muslim" today-and what it means when white culture defines the culture. Farsad asks the important questions like, What does it mean to have a hyphenated identity? How can we actually combat racism, stereotyping, and exclusion? Do Iranians get bunions at a higher rate than other ethnic groups? (She's asking for a friend.)

How to Make White People Laugh tackles these questions with wit, humor, and incisive intellect. And along the way, you might just learn a thing or two about tetherball, Duck Dynasty, and wine slushies.

Critic reviews

"This book is more than funny-it's on David Sedaris-level first-class perfect fucking hilarious funny. I laughed so hard, I made a spectacle of myself."—Julia Sweeney, Comedian, Writer, and former SNL cast member

"A hilarious and personal take on the complexities of being non-white in America today. This book makes racial politics a bit easier to swallow."—Reza Aslan, bestselling author of No god but God and Zealot

"Apparently, Negin did not spend her childhood in the Irish countryside. She was never a beat jazz innovator, and her marriage to Douglas Fairbanks was unconsummated. This long overdue book not only 'sets the record straight' but also improves the whole structure of society. I thank Ms. Farsad for that. You should do the same."—Janeane Garofalo, Comedian

"Negin Farsad whips out some smart racial politics . . . with a side of fart jokes and the result is a hilarious and pungent book."—Aasif Mandv, Daily Show correspondent, actor and author of No Land's Man

"Farsad's fresh and funny voice is perfect for presenting tactics to fight anti-Muslim sentiment in the U.S., and her work is intriguing and enjoyable to read."—Publisher's Weekly

"How to Make White People Laugh will help answer some of the questions people have been too scared to ask. And get you laughing."—Refinery29

"Well-written [and] disarmingly funny."—New Boston Post

"Hilarious and groundbreaking...Farsad carves out a new space to talk about cultural and political identity."—BookWitty.com

A window into a unique perspective

I've been doing my best to keep up with author Negin Farsad since 2008 when I saw her film NERDCORE RISING. Since then this Iranian-American, Muslim, activist, writer, stand-up comedian, actress, podcaster, radio personality, filmmaker has been busy. One of the things she released in that time was this book, a combination funny memoir and call to action.
Negin, in her approachable and friendly way, uses the story of her life and her cultural perspective to introduce the Islamic cultural spectrum to her readers. Sweet, charming, and brimming with humor the book seeks to introduce us to several unique perspectives and leaves us hoping for more.
Culturally, Negin and I are very different people. But with this book one person's perspective is shared, and another person's perspective is enlightened because of it.

Great message, shaky delivery

Overall, I really liked the message of this book and it was pretty funny. Of course we shouldn't discriminate against any particular group. That being said, it is hard to hear someone who grew up in Palm Springs, was Ivy League educated, and spent summers in Paris criticizing other people for privilege. The lack of this acknowledgement gives the book some whiny undertones.
Also I am not quite sure who the best audience for this book is. I chose it because I like female comedians, but I did not need to be won over or convinced not to be hateful. The Muslim people that I know would find this book offensive. The people I know that would find this book funny are already in agreement with not hating anyone. I am not sure this book would be well received by the people whose minds it wants to change.
The most annoying thing about this audiobook are the endless references to the PDF, which you can't see.

Wrong title

I enjoyed Farsad’s story of growing up as a Persian-American Muslim and the social-activism she mixes into her comedy. But for me, the title had little to do with the content. I guess I expected more activism and less memoir. Still, glad I listened to it

Delightful

Is it weird I didn't learn anything about making white people laugh though? Kinda disappointed honestly..

Awful

Not very good advice in regards to anything comedic. Audible won’t let me return this utter trash