On Sept. 22, students of West Chester University got the opportunity to experience the comic performance of Dat Phan, the winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” The Asian American Organization brought this comedian to campus as part of the Contemporary Issues Program. This specific program was about more then just comedy, though. Students got a chance to learn about Asian culture and the various forms of racism that can occur in the United States.Dat Phan was actually born in Saignon, Vietnam in 1975.He immigrated to the United States and grew up in San Diego, California. After the events of September 11, 2001, Phan decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of doing standup comedy. He lived out of his car for a short time and eventually found himself sleeping under a desk in a tiny apartment. Phan decided to try out for the NBC show, “Last Comic Standing,”and eventually he found himself in the top 5 contestants. After winning the show, Phan appeared on such television shows as “The West Wing” and “Jay Leno.” He has also done voiceovers for the show “Family Guy.” His appearance on Comedy Central and in several major motion pictures has further cemented his fame.
The opening act consisted of a Kurdish comic who focusedmany of his jokes on the racial differences that he faces in everyday life. After this performance, Dat Phan began his routine. For aboutan hour, Phan entertained the audience with his impressions, jokes and stories. Many of his jokes focused on Vietnamese culture and the effect it has had on his life. His mother and father were the mainfocus of many of the stories, andPhan had no problem getting laughs about his family’s culture. He mentioned how the majority of the roles he has gotten in shows and movies are stereotypical Asian characters. He also mentioned how he does not fit the stereotype of a standard Asian citizen. For example Phan said, “I was the only Asianto fail a math class. Unfortunately, eight kids around me failed then, too.” Phan also mentioned how ridiculous racial slurs can become.
He noted being called names such as riceball, boatperson and even Mexicanese. Although he makes jokes about it, Dat Phan still focused on how ridiculous racial hatred really is. People still make comments to him about the Vietnam War simply because he is Vietnamese. He proceeded to explain that he was nothing but a fetus when that conflict was occurring so to blame him is ridiculous. Many prejudices andstereotypes are the result of past events, and it is true that people of this generation did not even have a part in those actions.
After the comedy routine was finished, there was a ten-minute highlight video of Dat Phan’s career and then a question and answer segment. A variety of questions were asked, but many focused on how comedy and fame had changed Phan’s life. He said, “I’m an ordinary guy who works an extraordinary job. People shouldn’t work jobs that they are not passionate about.” When asked about how he decided to become a comedian, he said that he discovered comedy in college while taking a public speaking class. He enjoyed making people laugh, so he decided to try some stand-up work. Now he says that 85% of his income is from college shows, and he really relates better to the younger adults. Since he is going back to school in the spring to get a Master’s degree, he feels welcome in the university setting.
Several people also asked questions concerning the racial jokes that are prominent throughout Phan’s performance. Phan noted that younger Asians completely support his work and have few problems with any of the jokes he tells about their culture. Older Asians though tend to get more offended and will let him know that they disapprove of his form of humor.
The show highlighted the growing need for cultural understanding and acceptance on college campuses. Dat Phan’s performance brought racial issues into the spotlight in a way that was both humorous and informative. Melissa Chapman, a junior in graphic design, said, “I thought the show was great. I hope he comes back next year because the people who didn’t come missed out.” Students left the program with a better idea of Asian culture and hopefully a newfound respect for diversity.