Joe Wong is a Chinese immigrant who started his career as a chemical engineer before transforming into a comedian. He gained popularity in the United States for his stand-up comedy, which often touches on his experiences as an immigrant and his observations of American culture.
Wong has made appearances on several TV shows, including “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” and he was the headliner for the Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association dinner in 2010. Currently, Wong is captivating audiences in Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto with his comedy special “This Asian Hates Asian Hate,” alongside another tour titled “Out of Place Chinese (水土不服).”
How comedy links to anti-Asian hate
Wong believes in the importance of his work in bringing attention to Asian American issues, history, and experiences. He notes the scarcity of stand-up comedy shows, TV shows, or movies that delve into Asian American history and the value of contributing to this underrepresented narrative. Wong shared, “I’ve been developing ‘This Asian Hates Asian Hate’ for the past couple of years. It’s a comedy hour special that touches on issues very close to my heart.”
Despite the relevance of his work, Wong revealed the challenges he faced in getting his special recognized by streaming platforms. “By the time I got the special ready and taped, the platforms I approached felt the topic wasn’t ‘on the news anymore,’” Wong explained, highlighting the transient nature of media attention to social issues.
That said, the comedian’s resolve remains strong despite these setbacks. “It’s something worth doing, even though the online platform may not accept it right now,” Wong stated, emphasizing the importance of Asian American representation in media.
Wong’s comedy has received varied responses across the U.S., with cities like New York and Boston showing greater acceptance. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the reception in Houston, Texas. “I got the best audience response from Houston. Every punchline worked,” he said, challenging the preconceived notions about the region being more “conservative.”
Wong explains that he uses comedy as a platform to address the issue of anti-Asian hate because he believes in the unique power of humor to engage audiences on serious topics, despite the challenges inherent in this approach.
“It’s harder, you know, because if you write a book about Asian hate, most of the time it’s okay,” he said. ”But if you do it in comedy, there’s a lot of pushback.”
Wong acknowledges the controversy that can arise when tackling sensitive issues through comedy but insists on its importance, stating, “I am a comedian, and it’s even harder for me to bring this topic on because I know how hard it is for comedians to come up with their material and gradually find some success in the comedy world.”
Through his comedic work, Wong aims to raise awareness and provoke thought on anti-Asian hate, leveraging the accessible and engaging nature of humor to challenge stereotypes and encourage dialogue.
“I know how unpopular it is for any Asians, especially Asian men, to bring up the subject of racism or discrimination against Asians,” he confessed. This acknowledgment reflects the broader issue of racism’s deep-rooted presence in society and the difficulty in confronting it, even through humor.
Joe Wong’s journey as an Asian American comedian
Wong’s journey as an Asian American comedian has been marked by his determination to break stereotypes and pursue his passion for comedy, despite the initial lack of promotion in his previous career as a chemical engineer.
Reflecting on his transition to comedy, Wong shared, “I just went to a stand-up comedy class and learned the basics of telling a joke, where to look for open mics to practice, and that’s how it got started.”
Initially, comedy was merely a hobby for Wong, but it gradually evolved into a serious pursuit. He further elaborated on his motivation, stating, “I was always interested in humor and comedy. When I was in college, I published some papers on the campus newspaper... and people were like, ‘Oh wow, that was really funny.’”
Wong’s journey underscores his commitment to leveraging comedy not only as a means of personal expression but also as a platform to address significant social issues, particularly anti-Asian hate, through humor.
Pushing back against Asian hate
In the fight against anti-Asian hate, comedian Joe Wong is using his platform to advocate for increased awareness and proactive measures. Wong, known for his insightful humor that often touches on his experiences as a Chinese-American, is calling on individuals both within and outside the Asian community to take a stand against racism and discrimination.
For those within the Asian community, Wong stresses the importance of speaking out and supporting one another.
“We just have to mention it more,” he said, highlighting the necessity of bringing anti-Asian sentiments to the forefront of conversations. Wong believes in the power of vocalizing experiences and concerns related to racism, encouraging individuals to “air our own opinion, even though it’s unpopular, just say something, to let people know that this thing makes Asians uncomfortable.”
While Wong’s recommendations for allies outside the Asian community, the essence of his advocacy points toward the need for solidarity and active engagement from all societal sectors. This includes educating oneself about the rich history and contributions of Asian Americans, standing against racism in all its forms, and fostering environments where open and constructive dialogues about race and discrimination can flourish.
Wong’s approach underscores a collective responsibility to address and dismantle anti-Asian hate. By encouraging open communication, education, and allyship, Wong aims to bridge gaps and build a more inclusive and understanding society. His call to action serves as a reminder that combating racism requires a united front, with every individual playing a crucial role in affecting positive change. Through humor and advocacy, Wong is not only entertaining audiences but also challenging them to reflect on critical social issues and contribute to a more equitable society.