Decoding the Joke: Muslim Representations in Comedy and Their Impact on Internalized Anti-Muslim Racism

Rania Zaied

Advisor: Richard T Craig, PhD, Department of Communication

Committee Members: Iccha Basnyat, Melissa Broeckelman-Post

Horizon Hall, #5225
August 18, 2026, 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Abstract:

Recent comedic works portray nuanced and complex Muslim experiences by highlighting themes of faith, belonging, self-perception, and stereotypes, taking advantage of this dual role of comedy – to entertain and provoke thought. Guided by Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1986), the Encoding and Decoding Model of Communication (Hall, 1980), and Cultivation Theory (Gerbner, 1986), this study examines the perceived impacts of Muslim representations in comedic media on an audience, both positively and negatively. Specifically, this qualitative study focuses on the interpretations of Muslim audience members who have watched recent comedy television shows, films, or stand-up comedy specials, such as Crashing Eid (2023), Zainab Johnson: Hijabs Off (2023), Mo (2022–2025), Ramy (2019–2022), Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King (2017), Man Like Mobeen (2016), #1 Happy Family USA (2025), Halal in the Family (2015), Little Mosque on the Prairie (2007–2012), We Are Lady Parts (2021–2024), Allah Made Me Funny (2008), The Muslims Are Coming! (2013), Deli Boys (2025), Americanish (2021), Ali's Wedding (2017), Ahamed's Ramadan Diary (2017–2018), Taqwacores (2010), United States of Al (2021–2022), etc. By collecting data through qualitative interviews with Muslim audience members, this study delves deep into their personal experiences and reactions to Muslim representation in humor and identifies potential factors that contribute to or fight their internalized anti-Muslim racism.