This week’s documentary suggestion takes a look at comedy in the black community. The movie Why We Laugh takes a look at black comedians from the minstrel era until the modern comedy clubs and television specials that comics today enjoy. The film really does a good job at analyzing the relationship between comedy and the ongoing social change in America over the years.
Acts such as Eddie Murphy, Redd Foxx and Amos N Andy are talked about in the documentary. Also the social and cultural impact of shows like The Cosby Show and Living Color are profiled in the piece. Directed by Robert Townsend this film was released in 2009. The film was narrated by Angela Basett and features interviews with Chris Rock, Keenan Ivory Wayans and Cornel West. Why We Laugh can be found on Netflix streaming and available on DVD through various online outlets.
