Skyscrapers collapsing with people inside and car bombs aren't funny. But, despite the impression left by the likes of Osama bin Laden, Muslims have a sense of humor.
Muslim comedian Azhar Usman has taken his "Allah Made Me Funny -- Official Muslim Comedy Tour" "in more than 12 countries over five continents" - my guess is that he hasn't played Antarctica. He's featured in a U.S. International Information Programs article, "Humor Helps Break Stereotypes About Muslims."
It's not that Ramadan is funny, or that Islamic fanatics killing people for not being sufficiently Islamic is funny.
On the other hand, humor is a great communicator. Usman quoted the late Peter Ustinov. "People always come up to me after my show and say, 'Thank you so much for making me think,'" the Muslim comedian said.
Muslim comedian? Those are two words that I didn't expect to find used together.
Usman, a lawyer raised by Indian parents in Chicago, pointed out how Jewish and Black musicians and comedians used humor to break down stereotypes.
I'd say that he has a good idea. I still want to believe that there are significant numbers of Muslims who can live and work in the Information Age - and contribute to their society. It's a relief to read about people like Azhar Usman, who reinforce that belief.
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