Comments on: “Indian It Up” With “Manoj”

By: Suhas

Suhas — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:50:22 +0000

Good stuff. However, Am I the only one or did anyone else feel that this was “inspired” by Ricky Gervais’ early works ?

By: sakshi

sakshi — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:53:57 +0000

Time someone got ironic about irony. If you are climbing the meta ladder, why climb one rung, and stop?

By: YourTambi

YourTambi — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:27:31 +0000

as soon as I heard the indian accent and the 1st whiteboy co-signing this lameness, i knew where it was going. I see exactly what he is trying to do, but it is lame. Talking in a indian accent relating everything american with how it must be in india for a few laughs from his close friends. “Hydrabad improv nights?” seriously? I saw this coming a mile away. This shtick has been covered better on Simpsons. He’s your typical coconut, doesn’t know where he fits in, east or the west or both? Still confused, self-hating, trying to be ironic with no authenticity. I thought we were past imitating the indian accent for a few chuckles. btw he does a poor job imitating the accent as well.

By: Sunny

Sunny — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:45:01 +0000

Dude’s got potential to be the desi answer to Flight of the Conchords.

By: MzQ

MzQ — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:20:31 +0000

The first thing that came into my mind was that Russell Peters makes fun of everyone, not only Indians. People come to se him make jokes about their skincolour and absurdities in their cultures while the Manoj character is funny, but the most interesting thing is the mockumentarie's message.

I got a new perspective, but haven't changed my mind in any way. I did realise one thing, the fact that this kind of humour has it's purpose right now. Our kids will find this as outdated as old Bill Cosby show jokes.

p.s. pardon my anglais, not my first language...

By: jackal

jackal — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:53:51 +0000

effing hilarious!

By: SF

SF — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:18:20 +0000

Hmmm..actually, I watched the video and laughed my ass off. Then I read the comments and had a totally different take from the other readers (and from Hari as well). What is wrong with laughing at Indian stereotypes? I think their power to wound is considerably less if one can laugh at them.

I guess the real issue here is (a) were a comedian like Manoj to actually exist, some (non-Indians; probably white) people would laugh at him because he fits common stereotypes to a T, thus (b)indulging in a little racism and probably stereotype strengthening, and (c) thus pissing off Indian-Americans.

My issue is with (c). Hey, if a FOB like Manoj (and me) can do this and make some money off it, what's wrong with that? Why do "colored" people have a special obligation not to indulge in any behavior that "hurts" their culture in the eyes of the majority ethnic community? Also, c'mon - I've lived in the U.S. long enough to see at least some racism and also to realize this country is probably less racist, in some ways, than India is, and also to realize the worst of it is rarely directed towards Indian Americans. A little more fortitude and a little less navel-gazing seems to be in order.

By: ShallowThinker

ShallowThinker — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 02:47:00 +0000

If you dont think "The Office" is funny then I most likely dont like you as a human being.

Okay maybe a little harsh, but come on!! "The Office" has a special place in my heart and DVR

By: sunzari

sunzari — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 02:16:16 +0000

2 Â· Nara said

This is how I would measure a desi comic's material, if he did not do the accent is it still funny. Except for a few lines (Hin-do and hin don't) I did not see any new material. I hope this guy has a day job.

I agree. Didn't find it funny. Reminded me of The Office. Also not funny.

By: redr

redr — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:16:48 +0000

What the fuck is a “beef sandwich?”