Beck Krefting,  Skidmore professor and former stand-up comic, discusses the role of charged humor in the service of social justice--historically and now--in addition to exploring contemporary writings that use charged humor to educate. This includes Trevor Noah's Born a Crime, which leverages humorous incidents from his life to educate and bridge cultural divides.

This program is inspired by our SaratogaREADS! book selection. Co-sponsored by MLK Saratoga and Saratoga Pride. No registration required.

Beck Krefting is Associate Professor and Chair of American Studies at Skidmore College. She is the author of All Joking Aside: American Humor and Its Discontents. Her research explores social and cultural issues surrounding humor whether political correctness, the gendered expectations around who is qualified to solicit laughter, or the kinds of racialized humor allowable in 21st century contexts. She has presented nationally and internationally and is currently researching and publishing on Hannah Gadsby's feminist comedy and writing a book on changes in identity politics impacting the economy of comedy.