Comedian Hari Kondabolu shares his thoughts on comparisons to Parks & Recreation star Aziz Ansari and the monolithic view often discussed amongst black comedians that there is only room for one black comedian at the top, or in this case, one Indian-American comedian with Corbin Hiar in The Economist.
On the comparison to Aziz Ansari
I don’t think I need to dethrone anybody. I’m hoping we’re at a place where people understand there are many people with a wide variety of experiences and perspectives who might have similar ethnic backgrounds. Aziz Ansari’s family is from Tamil Nadu, mine is from Andhra Pradesh. We’re talking about the difference of big cultures…At the same time, I suppose the fact that he comes up in conversations is an indication that maybe America isn’t completely ready. I can’t imagine a young white comedian having to be asked about other white comedians. You’re just another comedian.
On the example of Larry the Cable Guy compared to other country comics — is not the same
There’s a difference between that and my skin colour branding me and my perceived culture. After shows, people still ask me about yoga or some Bollywood film. When Slumdog [Millionaire] came out that was obviously hell. I want to fucking talk about Slumdog.
Read the full interview at The Economist.com.
