What is the goal of this assignment?
The goal of the video critique is to examine concepts related to race relations and *ethnicity in the U.S. through comedy. Specifically, you will critique an excerpt from a stand up performance by satirical comedian Hari Kondabolu. *Ethnicity refers to a group of people with a shared culture, language, history, beliefs, and traditions, e.g., Americans of Irish ancestry.
What do I need to do?
Make a slideshow with talking points for an approximately 7 to 10 minute critique. Record your critique using a video creator platform such as VLC media player, your cell phone, or Zoom. If you prefer to not use a forward-facing camera, i.e., to not be in the frame, you can record your critique using a voice-over application such as Voice Memos or Easy Voice Recorder. I recommend uploading your video to YouTube and designating it "unlisted" if you only want people with whom you share the URL to have access.I will not evaluate design elements. Your analysis is what matters.
Step 1: Watch 2042 & the White MinorityLinks to an external site..
Links to an external sitTo learn how to pronounce his name go to https://harikondabolu.tumblr.com/post/85540559277/my-career-goal-is-to-make-people-say-my-nameLinks to an external site.To
Hari Kondabolu, "2042 & the White Minority," Chicago, 2013
URL:
Step 2: Read the following four articles.
1) "For Comic Hari Kondabolu, Explaining the Joke IS the Joke," NPR, 21 April 2014. URL: https://www.npr.org/2014/04/21/305509473/for-comic-hari-kondabolu-explaining-the-joke-is-the-jokeLinks to an external site.
2) Kang, Hannah. "Korean American-Black Conflict during L.A. Riots was Overemphasized by Media, Experts Say," NBC News, 29 April 2022. URL: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/korean-american-black-conflict-l-riots-was-overemphasized-media-expert-rcna26547Links to an external site.
3) DeSimone, Bailey. "Commemorating Irish-American Heritage Month," Library of Congress, 21 March 2024. URL: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2024/03/commemorating-irish-american-heritage-monthLinks to an external site.
4) "Exploring U.S. History: Alien Menace," George Mason University, April 2004. URL: https://chnm.gmu.edu/exploring/19thcentury/alienmenace/pop_inhuman.htmlLinks to an external site.
Step 3: Respond to the following seven questions to critique Hari Kondabolu's ideas about race and ethnicity in the U.S.
- What is your interpretation of Kondabolu's statement, "Saying that I'm obsessed with race and racism in America is like saying I'm obsessed with swimming when I'm drowning"(?)
- What does Kondabolu mean by, "I hear about the year 2042 all the time...but don't worry white people, you were the minority when you came to this country. Things seemed to have worked out for you"(?)
- What is Kondabolu referring to in the statement, "...that 51% is not a united front...just ask a black guy and a Korean guy what happens when the black guy walks into the Korean guy's store. I bet you that interaction isn't pleasant...There is some historical tension there."(?)
- Do you agree with Kondabolu's statement, "White isn't a thing. Race isn't a thing. It's all made up. It's a social construct."(?) Why or why not?
- What is Kondabolu referencing in his statement, "White isn't a thing and we know this because there used to be signs in New York that said, 'No Irish No blacks No dogs.' The Irish weren't white. The Polish weren't white. The Italians weren’t white. The Jews weren't white.”
- Describe Kondabolu's sense of humor. Do you like it? Dislike it? Why or Why not?
- Do you think addressing serious issues through comedy is appropriate? Why or why not?
Be sure to include:
- An Introduction
- Historical context
- Evidence
- Analysis
- A Conclusion
How do I submit my video?
Submit a media recording or URL in the assignment submission box.
How do I pronounce Hari Kondabolu?
"Hari Kondabolu's Tumblr Kingdom," Tumblr. URL: https://harikondabolu.tumblr.com/post/85540559277/my-career-goal-is-to-make-people-say-my-nameLinks to an external site.
Rubric
Video Critique
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction | 20 to >17.0 ptsIncludes a clear and inviting statement of purpose.17 to >14.0 ptsIncludes a statement of purpose. 14 to >11.0 ptsExhibits a limited and unclear statement of purpose.11 to >0 ptsExcludes a statement of purpose. | 20 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplanation & Evidence | 20 to >17.0 ptsExplains the importance of the issues with clear and relevant evidence.17 to >14.0 ptsDescribes the importance of the issue with evidence. 14 to >11.0 ptsPartially identifies the issue with some evidence.11 to >0 ptsDoes not identify the importance of the issue and/or provides minimal to no evidence. | 20 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeHistorical Context | 20 to >17.0 ptsCarefully evaluates the relevance of historical context.17 to >14.0 ptsAnalyzes the relevance of historical context. 14 to >11.0 ptsIdentifies some relevant historical context.11 to >0 ptsIdentifies minimal to no relevant historical context. | 20 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAnalysis | 20 to >17.0 ptsThoroughly analyzes concepts and draws perceptive inferences.17 to >14.0 ptsAnalyzes concepts and draws inferences. 14 to >11.0 ptsIdentifies some concepts and makes some inferences.11 to >0 ptsProvides minimal to no analysis and/or inferences. | 20 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion | 20 to >17.0 ptsBrings the presentation to a clear and logical end.17 to >14.0 ptsBrings the presentation to an end. 14 to >11.0 ptsBrings the presentation to an awkward end.11 to >0 ptsDoes not bring the presentation to an end. | 20 pts |
Total Points: 100