Apr 2001
In this issue:
Features
Thank you for letting me know you laugh
Comedian and closet white boy Kassem Gharaibeh shows NOX how funny he can be
Issue: Jun, 2009
It’s hard out there for a comedian. Really. Especially for an Arab one born and raised in Los Angeles with white tendencies. Still, Kassem Gharaibeh is willing to take a leap of faith, just as long as he gets to ruffle a few egos along the way.
NOX: How did you start in comedy?
Kassem Gharaibeh: I really got serious – as it were – about comedy three years ago. A teacher from an improv class encouraged me to get together material for a stand up show, and it was so well received I thought I really want to do this for a living. I do some stand-up in local clubs in Hollywood, but I’m really focusing on strengthening my acting muscles and marketing myself on YouTube at the moment.
NOX: Speaking of which, how did that whole “apologising to Jesus” video start?
KG: I’d made this comment on Facebook, something like “when it came to crosses, Jesus was so stuck up”, and it generated so much feedback! Some positive, some definitely not, so I decided to apologise to the Lord and Saviour in my own way – by finding the Jesuses of Southern California and asking for their forgiveness.
NOX: What was your best video so far?
KG: Well, the videos that have gotten the most attention have been my “man on the street” interviews. I discuss current events with colourful people in Los Angeles. People are enjoying them so much I’ve turned them into a weekly segment.
NOX: Are you an “Arab” comedian?
KG: Well, I’m certainly not white. Wait, on the outside, I’m cafe-mocha. On the inside, I’m milk. I have a white girlfriend, I drive a truck... what else is white? A pension? Most people of medium girth could totally kick my ass... But I think I’m more like someone with a different point of view on life that happens to be an Arab.
NOX: Can us Arabs identify with it?
KG: For sure! It is fantastic when someone from the Middle East sends me a message to say that he loves my stuff. But I don’t have to only make fun of Arab things, and the internet itself really helps in that regard. You don’t have to do what will get you gigs in clubs, you do what you love, create your own fan-base, and – fingers crossed – make your living out of it.
NOX: What are you working on now?
KG: I’m currently studying acting and auditioning like every other person in LA. I have a few projects coming up, like an animated series based on my life...
NOX: Should Arabs aspire to comedy?
KG: At first people always tell you to pick a different path. But when you start making a name, people will come out of the woodwork telling you how they believed in you the whole time. Do what you love regardless of what people tell you. They don’t understand. Go out and get your piece of the pie...!
