Fighting Islamophobia with social justice comedy. Ep. 64

How do you change the mind of someone who thinks you don’t belong in this country because of your faith? Make them laugh, says Negin Farsad, Muslim-American comedian, actress, writer and filmmaker. And she does.

Back in 2014, she took a troupe of Muslim comedians on tour in America’s heartland to talk (and joke) about Islamophobia for the documentary film “The Muslims Are Coming!” Today, she continues to work in what she calls “social justice comedy,” using humor to confront religious hatred and racism. We ask her how she walks the line between laughing with and laughing at the people she would like to convince.

In Signs of the Times, the supporters of Ireland’s Eighth Amendment suffered a resounding defeat in the May 25 referendum, opening the door to abortion on demand. We talk about the future of the church and the pro-life movement in light of this setback. Plus: an archbishop in Australia faces jail time for failing to report sexual abuse; an ecumenical group of faith leaders takes on racism in Minnesota; and a new poll shows only 50 percent of Catholics support welcoming refugees to the United States. What gives?

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Links from the show:

Catholics who voted Yes should consider confession, says Bishop

Catholic archbishop convicted in Australia of concealing child sex abuse

New Minnesota faith alliance takes on racism

Only 50% of U.S. Catholics believe the U.S. Should Accept Refugees

What’s on tap?

Brooklyn Brewery Lager hand delivered by Patron Emilee Hunter-Maguire

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