If you're politically correct, chances are you're not coming to one of my shows. I get to go onstage and say things that everybody thinks all the time, but can't say out loud.
Russell PetersRead
I've seen racism in my audiences. For example, I've seen people laugh at every other group, but then clam up when it comes to their community. You can't laugh at everyone else and then not laugh at yourself. You shouldn't be at my show if you can't laugh at yourself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of self-deprecating humor and being able to laugh at oneself, rather than only laughing at others.
In this quote, Russell Peters addresses the hypocrisy of audiences who are willing to laugh at jokes about different groups but become defensive or silent when the humor turns to their own community. He suggests that humor should be inclusive, and self-awareness is necessary for enjoying comedic performances. The ability to laugh at oneself is portrayed as a vital component of being a good audience member and participating in a shared experience of laughter.
Themes
RacismHumorSelf-DeprecationAudienceLaughter
In practice
Example use cases
In a stand-up comedy club, when introducing a comedian, you might say: 'Remember, if you can laugh at everyone else, you should also be able to laugh at yourself, like Russell Peters reminds us.'
More from Russell Peters
All quotes →I think a lot of people mistake my confidence on stage for cockiness in real life, and that's actually farthest from the truth. When I'm on stage, I'm that confident and that cocky because I have a microphone in my hand, and there's a few thousand people staring at me. And I know they're there to laugh.
Russell PetersRead
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