https://blackgirlnerds.com/comedian-ziwe-fumudoh-takes-on-racial-identity-in-black-friend-essays/

Comedy’s most iconic voice Ziwe Fumudoh brings together humor, wit, and tenacity in her new book Black Friend Essays. Debuting as the #1 new release in the category of Discrimination and Racism on Amazon, Fumudoh’s Black Friend Essays brings together a compilation of personal essays by the comedic genius herself.

Throughout this book, Fumudoh combines her perspective, pop culture, and commentary with her misunderstandings around Black identity. In Black Friend Essays, Fumudoh lets readers see the social interactions of the average Black woman in today’s society. She takes readers through eye-opening situations she experiences as a Black woman and learning moments she hopes for non-Black individuals to absorb. 

The Relatable Black Woman

Throughout her story, Fumudoh paints herself as a relatable young Black woman. The social issues she faces are issues many Black women are no strangers to. With the intent of showing readers the experiences many Black women share, Fumudoh recalls specific racial interactions that occur between her and her peers. She describes instances in which her peers would mispronounce her name or question her ethnicity based on the uniqueness of her name as a Nigerian American.

Although she is used to the mispronunciation of her name, Fumudoh hints that the occurrence does annoy her. Having issues pronouncing her name would often open up secondary conversations about Fumudoh’s cultural identity and heritage. It’s almost as if she’s expected to retell her whole life story with the introduction of her name.

She also recalls her experience of being in a white neighborhood and being in a private school versus a public school. She would often find herself alternating her vernacular based on those around her. These interactions demonstrate what navigating life is like for a young Black woman with an African cultural background.

Fumudoh reflects on experiences in her life in which she became subject to microaggressions and other uncomfortable situations she endured. Fumudoh, like many people of color, feels the need to code-switch or update her speech based on her surroundings to gain respect. It is the way she handles these situations that is truly amazing. Her use of comedy is significant to her story as an individual. She slowly introduces comedy as a coping mechanism.

The Topics of Race and Comedy Combined

With a growing number of books centered on race and the individual experience surrounding racism in America, what makes Fumudoh’s novel distinct?

For one, Fumudoh uses witty banter to capture her readers’ attention and poke fun at the racial complexities in her life. Although she uses humor, she doesn’t appear offensive to her Black audience. Instead, she amuses them. She amuses them by poking fun at racial situations she presumes other Black individuals experience. Her sense of humor is distinct. Fumudoh makes an awkward moment lighthearted. The way she deals with situations involving race is to incorporate light humor. She shows readers that she has a thick skin because she can counteract racism with humor.

This isn’t to be mistaken as saying Fumudoh accepts racism, which she pokes fun at in the introduction of her book. Instead, readers can say with certainty that she understands racism and relies on satire to poke fun at those who don’t. She not only focuses on the Black perspective but also shifts her focus to reference other minorities during her discussions on implicit racism.

If you are reading from the perspective of being Black, reading her book will speak to you. She uses comic relief to downplay high-intensity interactions where her race may be questioned. In doing so, she gets people to listen.

It may be challenging for white people to read a book about the racism Black individuals face; however, her humorous responses to non-Black individuals in her book ease any possibility of racial tension. Ultimately, her book promotes anti-racism because she draws attention to the issues Black individuals regularly face. 

What Purpose Do These Interviews Serve?

One plan of action that Fumudoh excels in is her ability to make a name for herself. Her presence in the comedy world is thriving. Her emergence in pop culture began with her asking simple questions to notable stars like actors Alyssa Milano and Chet Hanks. She can get stars to comment on sensitive matters like race.

In her book, Fumudoh is shown interviewing celebrities for her Instagram livestreams. She is an expert in creating questions that fuel debates and getting stars to discuss sensitive subjects they might otherwise avoid altogether. The measures she takes to approach conversations about race are significant. She discusses race with influential figures who have a voice. In doing so, she publicizes Black issues and highlights disparities. Fumudoh is able to get her livestream guests to respond to uneasy questions. She is strategic with her approach in addressing how race affects people of color. 

A Must Read 

With Black Friend Essays, get ready to challenge your preconceived notions regarding racial relations. Fumudoh is talented with her words and strategic with her comedy.

If you are already familiar with Fumudoh as a comedian, then you know the work she is capable of delivering. She uses the right amount of humor at the right time. Her sense of comic relief turns an awkward situation into a learning experience for many.

Fumudoh may be writing about her life as a Black woman, but her novel is an encouraging read for all who desire to educate themselves on racial perception and what it means to be Black in America. Fumudoh’s book is a must read. Her words, humor, and wit allow readers to reflect on her everyday life as a Black woman. This is a read for anyone willing to learn, take in, and understand the Black experience. 

Black Friend Essays is available wherever books are sold.