Faizel Patel, 2016-09-02
Standup comedian Joey Rasdien says comedians should take responsibility as they have the ability to change the perception of people.
Rasdien was addressing delegates during the 3rd panel discussion on day 2 of the three-day International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East in Pretoria yesterday.
He was among other comedians including Said Durrah, Negin Farsad and Ilan Shefler focusing on “when political satire becomes a peacemaker.”
Day 2 of the International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East was a little more light hearted with comedians highlighting that laughter and satire have power to change not merely the personal behavior of one individual, but also the behavior of institutions and even whole societies.
Comedian Joey Rasdien says it is important to understand where people are coming from by gauging their point of reference.
“Unfortunately in South Africa and in the world, especially in the Middle East, is that we are so self-righteous, we think our own point of reference is better than the next persons point of reference. That’s why there’s conflict because we don’t show empathy to the next persons point of reference.”
Rasdien says former president Nelson Mandela was a perfect example of someone who cared more about the needs of others than himself.
“One person was 27 years in prison and out of prison understood the point reference of the people that were put into prison in the first place. Not only did he show forgiveness, he showed empathy and that’s why I’m standing here today speaking to a bunch of world leaders.”
Rasdien says that while cartoons and satire might be sometimes offensive to some people, it is also funny and disseminates important information that can change the perception of people and possibly an end to world conflicts.
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