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How Being Originally Palestinian Helped the Comedian behind "Legally Homeless"
Have you ever imagined travelling around the world with no passport? It might be hard to imagine, let alone live the whole experience. Well, Palestinian American Mo Amer went through such an experience many times. He laughs about it, and he makes us all laugh about. He is the comedian behind the show “Legally Homeless.”
Being originally Palestinian played a major role in Amer’s life, and the fact that as a comedian he had to travel to different parts of the world gave him different first hand experiences and realities; from racism to how some immigration officers conduct themselves with interviews and questions they ask.
“It’s psychologically irritating over time, even if it’s in small doses, and that influences you in some way. Your mentality shifts in how you view things in some way,” says Amer.
The fact that he is a comedian helped him make life of these experiences, as well as shed light on these difficulties faced by people like him, he adds.
Amer is preparing currently for his first solo standup special, where he will have a number of comedian guests, such as Hasan Minhaj, Azhar Usman, and Ramy Youssef. The show will also feature a special appearance by Bassem Youssef and Brother Ali.
“My first goal was to find people who work hard to have substance within the show, because at the end of the day this is a comedy show. I was looking for young people with whom I have had long relationships, who could be seen. We all have a strong friendship and I always make sure to be surrounded by positive atmosphere on stage,” says Amer.
Amer recalls the time when he first met Bassem Youssef of Egypt, and how he appreciates the rise of such a star in the Middle East, especially that no one saw that coming.
“Bassem Youssef is doing what Jon Stewart is doing but in the midst of a revolution,” he says. “As a comedian, I completely respect Youssef’s incredible achievements, and he has received global claim for it. However, he probably went too fast, especially with a government that you should not criticize publicly.”
Mo Amer believes in the importance of laughter in life, and that fact that people need it as much as anything else in life. He says that despite all the killing and violence everywhere, life will have to go on and continue.
“When I was in Egypt, I used to see people demonstrating against their government, facing death and violence, while a few meters away a couple is exchanging vows, or having a party. It’s amazing how people can do that because at the end of the day life has to move on,” says Amer.
“Look at Palestinians imprisoners in Israeli prisons, for example. They are living some of the worst life conditions and they are still laughing and telling each other jokes. It is one way of passing time, otherwise how are they going to spend it?” asks Amer.
Amer hopes through his upcoming show on May 3 that he’ll be able to deliver a hilarious funny show to his audience, and he promises them lots and lots of fun and laughter!
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Samya Ayish
Contributing Writer
Arab America