Korean American Perceptions of Margaret Cho's Stand-Up Comedy

This project reveals Korean American student opinions and responses to the comedy of Korean American comedienne Margaret Cho, whom uses aspects of Korean culture and cultural practices as her subject matter. The author seeks to answer whether or not it is okay for a Korean American to poke fun at Koreans/Korean Americans? Or more broadly speaking, whether it is acceptable for a person of a certain ethnicity or culture to mock others within that same group? Do Korean Americans and Asian Americans see Margaret Cho as a role model or as a threat to their culture? Based on independent research of Margaret Cho (using classroom readings and related blog sites) as well as individual and group interviews of Korean American students on campus, this study concludes that Margaret Cho is liked by a majority of Korean Americans who view her as giving a voice to what they are unable to express about their culture and disliked by those who believe she is making a mockery of their culture.unpublishedU of I OnlyRequested by studen