What Can We Laugh About?

What is the relationship between dissent and comedy? Is there civic virtue in laughter? Are there any issues that it is “too soon” to joke about? Should comedians around the world draw inspiration from American humor? And can comedy break through apathy, discontent, and division in a democracy under pressure—serving as release valve, remedy, and respite?

Political satirist Bassem Youssef, and playwright, actor, and performance artist Kristina Wong visit Zócalo to discuss the current comedic zeitgeist, and why the joke can be mightier than the sword. Moderated by Gustavo Arellano, columnist at the Los Angeles Times.

Zócalo invites the in-person audience to continue the conversation with our speakers and each other at a post-event reception with complimentary drinks.

Image credit: Illustration by Nick Yang.