Comedy is a universal language that we can all understand. It unites us in troubling times and gives us hope for a better tomorrow. No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, or how you identify, you definitely know how to laugh!
Hasan Minhaj is someone who is fluent in the language of comedy. He’s a highly acclaimed comedian currently working as a Senior Correspondent on the Daily Show, where he’s gotten to interview the likes of Justin Trudeau and DJ Khaled. He also has a new Netflix special titled Homecoming King where he talks about love, race, religion and all things in between.
Best part? The hilarious Hasan Minhaj is coming here for Real Talks! Join us at the North Campus Student Centre on April 12 at 12 p.m!
He’s has had a lot of great moments in his 14-year comedy career, so to get you excited for his talk at Humber, we’ve decided to put together a list of some of his best moments:
1. White House Correspondents’ Dinner
“Every time Trump goes golfing, the headline should read, ‘Trump golfing. Apocalypse delayed. Take the W.”
This is probably one of Hasan’s best-known segments that helped launch him into comedian superstardom. In 2017, Hasan was chosen as the entertainer for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where journalists and current White House administration enjoy a night of daring humour and thoughtful discussion. Although the President chose not to attend, Hasan lit up the night – as per tradition – by roasting him and his administration.
2. Interview with Justin Trudeau
In his interview with Justin Trudeau, Minhaj pokes fun at Americans’ fear of immigrants. He embodies the stereotype of the polite and welcoming Canadian as he interviews different Canadians on their views of refugees. He dawns a “Canadian Tuxedo” that’s more reminiscent of the Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake denim ensemble, but still does a great job of emphasizing the importance of accepting immigrants!
3. His Netflix Special: Homecoming King
“Americans hit their kids on the arm and bruise their body. Immigrants slap you across the face and bruise your soul.”
Hasan Minhaj’s much-awaited Netflix series Homecoming King uses comedy to highlight the struggles of growing up as an immigrant while navigating life as a teenager in America. What’s so brilliant about Hasan’s stand-up is that he uses his past to understand his present, all the while poking fun at himself and his own experiences.
4. The Daily Show Segments: Hasan on the Record
How do you educate people on important issues nowadays? You make them laugh, duh! That’s what Hasan’s whole message is about; using comedy to highlight important topics to get people thinking. In his “Hasan on the Record” segments, he covers topics like freedom of speech and most notably, Donald Trump’s infamous Muslim Ban.
5. First We Feast Hot Ones
In this hilarious interview on Hot Ones with Sean Evans, Hasan eats his way through some spicy wings while answering questions on his life. As an Indian, he says he’s pretty good with spice and starts off strong with the Sriracha covered chicken wing. But as he reaches the Blair’s Megadeath sauce covered chicken wing (that has a score of 550,000 Scoville Heat Unit), he experiences what he calls like an “out-of-body experience.” Check out the clip to see more!
Interested in seeing the Homecoming King himself? Come see Hasan Minhaj at the North Campus Student Centre on April 12 at 12 p.m.! There will also be a 30 minute Q & A session and a 30-minute Meet & Greet.
For more of IGNITE’s Real Talks, check out our interviews with Iskra Lawrence, Sophia Bush, and Charlamagne tha God.
