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Code Switch

Why laughing while crying is so Korean

Jan 15, 2025
Youngmi Mayer, a comedian and author of "I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying," dives into the rich tapestry of Korean humor. She discusses how laughter often emerges from sorrow, revealing humor as a survival tool in her family. Mayer reflects on the complexities of identity for Korean adoptees and the impact of cultural heritage on comedy. She shares personal experiences illustrating how humor connects generations, while also addressing the bittersweet relationships with her parents and the healing power of laughter amidst inherited struggles.
39:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Youngmi Mayer illustrates how humor serves as a cultural survival tool for her Korean family, often emerging from their shared traumas and history.
  • The podcast highlights a generational shift in humor, contrasting Youngmi's trauma-informed comedic style with her son Mino's lighthearted and joyful perspective.

Deep dives

Exploring the Intersection of Humor and Identity

The podcast delves into how humor functions as a means of navigating complex identities, particularly within the context of being biracial. The comedian Youngmi Mayer expresses how her comedy is deeply influenced by her experiences growing up as half Korean and half white. This background often forces her to confront the nuances between the cultures she embodies, illustrating the belief that laughter can serve as both a coping mechanism and a way to connect with her dual heritage. Through personal anecdotes and observations, she highlights that humor is frequently derived from cultural contradictions, blending her understanding of both American and Korean perspectives.

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