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World War II Memorial (left). Credit: Elizabeth Grove

America at a Crossroads: STAND UP: Muslim American Comics Come of Age

Maysoon Zayid, captured in mid-punch line, is one of five Muslim-American comics – all American citizens – featured in “Stand Up: Muslim-American Comics Come of Age.”

Press contacts

August, Lang & Husak
Dewey Blanton
301-657-2772
dblanton@alhadv.com

Kristine Barr
703-998-2713
kbarr@weta.com

The latest installment in the "America at a Crossroads" series explores the emergence of Muslim- and Arab-American comedians in the wake of 9/11, demonstrating how they use humor to take on stereotypes about Middle Easterners and terrorism. The film showcases five performers, their comedy and the way it is shaped by the everyday tribulations of their lives. Some of the comics are Arab, some are Muslim and some are both. All are Americans. This is the story of how each of these men and women felt the aftershock of 9/11. At a time when people of Middle Eastern background were advised to lie low, they all chose to stand up … and crack jokes.

Co-producer: Independent Television Service (ITVS).
Producer/director: Glenn Baker.
Airdate: May 11, 2008 at 10 p.m. Check local listings.

Press releases

Apr 01, 2008
America at a Crossroads: "STAND UP: Muslim American Comics Come of Age"
Read more »

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Caption: Maysoon Zayid, captured in mid-punch line, is one of five Muslim-American comics – all American citizens – featured in “Stand Up: Muslim-American Comics Come of Age.”