A Jewish Comedian Walks Into a Theater in Minnesota
Mar 29, 2025
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Comedian Alex Edelman, known for his solo show "Just for Us," joins Susannah Meadows to discuss his unique experiences navigating identity and humor. He shares insights from attending a neo-Nazi meeting, highlighting the complexities of his Jewish background. Edelman reflects on the significance of his performances, especially in a polarized political climate, stressing the importance of engaging in tough conversations to foster understanding. The discussion reveals how humor can bridge divides and challenge societal norms.
Alex Edelman's HBO special 'Just for Us' serves as a narrative bridge for discussing complex Jewish identity and societal belonging.
The podcast highlights the importance of engaging in difficult conversations amidst political polarization to foster understanding and empathy.
Deep dives
The Impact of Identity on Comedy
The podcast delves into Alex Edelman's personal experiences as a Jewish comedian navigating his identity within a predominantly white cultural landscape. It highlights his solo show, 'Just for Us,' which shares a mix of humor and vulnerability, reflecting on his upbringing in a Jewish family in Boston and his encounter with white nationalists. Through his storytelling, Edelman underscores the complexities of belonging and the duality of identity, inviting audiences to question their perspectives on race and ethnicity. His journey emphasizes how comedy can serve as a powerful lens for exploring deeper societal issues.
Experiencing a Performance of Oneself
Edelman recounts the surreal experience of watching someone else perform his show, feeling both ownership over the material and anxiety about how his story was interpreted. He describes the unique blend of pride and discomfort, as he witnesses another actor portray his childhood and identity while grappling with the authenticity of the portrayal. This situation raises questions about artistic ownership and the inherent risks of allowing others to interpret one’s personal narrative. While he appreciates the new perspective, Edelman also notes the differences in artistic choice and interpretation that arise in the performance.
The Relevancy of Civil Discourse in Today's Climate
The discussion shifts to the evolving nature of civil discourse in the context of contemporary political tensions and societal divides. Edelman reflects on the challenges of fostering productive conversations amidst increasing polarization and the role of his show in advocating for understanding and empathy. He acknowledges the difficulties in maintaining a civil dialogue, especially as societal events reshape how identities are perceived and discussed. Despite these challenges, he expresses a commitment to engaging in conversation, emphasizing the importance of connecting with others, regardless of differing beliefs.
In his HBO special, “Just for Us,” the comedian Alex Edelman explores his Jewish identity and whiteness in an unusual way: attending a neo-Nazi meeting in Queens. Before the 2024 presidential election, he traveled to Minnesota to watch a stranger perform his comedy special in a theater performance. In this episode, Edelman joins the Opinion editor Susannah Meadows to reflect on that experience, what “Just for Us” means after Donald Trump’s return to office and why hard conversations — even with extremists — matter now more than ever.
Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.
This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Kristina Samulewski. It was edited by Alison Bruzek, Kaari Pitkin and Annie-Rose Strasser. The rest of the show's production team includes Derek Arthur, Vishakha Darbha and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Pat McCusker, Isaac Jones and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.
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