The Village Voice interviews Dean Obeidallah and Negin Farsad, describing them as “two Muslim-American comics known for combatting Islamophobia with their sharp, disarming brand of observational humor.”
In the interview, the duo speak of their recent win when a federal judge ordered New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority to allow ads to run for their light-hearted documentary “The Muslims Are Coming!” citing that the transportation agency improperly labeled the ads political in nature. “[The ads are] so innocuous it makes you wonder why they spent so much time and money and energy fighting this,” comments Negin Farsad.
This summer the duo performed at “The Muslim Funny Fest” in Manhattan. Dean Obeidallah also produced the show and says that their comedy has a clear agenda. Referencing comics like Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor and Ellen Degeneres, Obeidallah make the point that “we didn’t invent this, we’re just the latest group to use it.”
“Only about 25 percent of Americans have a favorable view of Islam, and that’s the lowest it’s ever been. It’s horrific,” Obeidallah continues. “But the bright side is that about 25 percent of Americans have a Muslim friend. To me that’s not a coincidence.”
