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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 8, 1993)
Comedian bridges cultures in ‘cynical ’ society By Paula Lavigne Staff Reporter _ Dn a nation stuck in an eco nomic depression, faced with rising taxes, student loans, health care and cholesterol, comedy can be an invaluable cure. Stand-up comedy shows, like those featured on HBO, MTV and VH-1 are becoming increasingly popular. Tour ing comedians are coming into the spotlight. One such comedian, Margaret Cho, on a nationwide tour, will be bring her act to the University ofNebraska-Lin coln this weekend. Cho said the rise of stand-up com edy was the result of society. “Stand-up is irreverent," she said. “And, as a society, we’ve gotten very cynical. “It takes a lot for us to laugh. Stand up is an attempt at mainlining humor. We also need something with a harder edge." Cho, a native of San Francisco, was bom into a traditional Korean family. She said it was an emotional battle trying to live in two worlds because she felt as if she did not be long in either. Cho said she used her comedy to help Asian Americans and other mi norities to identify with themselves. “These feelings are universal," she said. “I hope the audience walks away with a feeling that they are not alone." Although her heritage is not a hin drance to her career, she said it was an obstacle in her daily life. ‘‘There were these two little boys in this mall in Ohio," she said, “and as they were walking behind me, I could hear them making these Chinese kung fu noises. “I followed them out of the store all the way to the parking lot until they turned around and asked me why I was following them." Cho said she talked to the two boys’ mother, saying she should explain rac ism to her children. > “I told her I understand the children didn’t know,” Cho said. “But I told her it wasn’t right either.” Cho said it was not an isolated incident. “I am alarmed at the frequency of these occurrences,” she said. Incidents like these, Cho said, be come part of her stand-up routine. Cho said she also had plans for writing a sitcom expressing some of those same feelings about racism and discrimina tion. Aside from being an Asian Ameri can, Cho said she was different be cause she did not focus on the typical women issues. She said she often traveled to uni versities because she related well to college audiences. Cho said audience response was a vital part of her act. “I write things that will get a reaction,” she said. “I’m really ob servant, and I pay a lot of attention to detail. One thing I observe very closely is details about generations. “My act is not a series of jokes, either,” Cho said. “I tell stories aboul my observations from daily life.” Although her act has been a suc cess, Cho said she looked at it as “only a job.” “I’m a very serious person,” she said. “I never was the class clown.” Cho wil I perform in the Nebraska Union Ballroom on Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is free forUNL students and $3 for the public. Martial arts magnates to descend on Lincoln The true nature of martial arts is not violence. That is the message Timothy Snyder said he hoped to get across this Saturday at the Third Annual National Martial Arts Exhibition in Lincoln. Snyder, owner of Lincoln’s Okinawan Karate and Weapons School, said the event would bring a variety of martial art disciplines together in an effort to educate and entertain the public. “We hope to provide a night of good family entertainment,” Snyder said. Famous martial arts instructors from around the nation, as well as local instructors and students, will be given the opportunity to display their abilities in a non-competitive forum, Snyder said. “The event allows each discipline the chance to be recognized for their abilities,” he said. “Most of the time when groups get together it’s for competition, but this is for demonstrations.” And it shows the public that martial arts are an art form — not just a method of beating people up, as the movies sometimes lead people to believe. “It seems when you watch the popular martial arts movies, the entire theme is violence,” Snyder said. While the movies generate interest in the martial arts, they usually misrepresent them, and in the end they do more harm then good, he said. “Martial arts are not about a bunch of kids who just want to leam how to knock people around,” he said. While people do study martial arts for self-defense purposes, there are other reasons to study as well, Snyder said. “There are many benefits,” he said. “It develops mental and physical health, it promotes a disciplined lifestyle, and it helps relieve stress.” in japan, a siuocni wno nas achieved a black belt often includes it on his or her resume, Snyder said. Employers know that a person with a black belt is highly motivated and confident. MA person with a black belt always carries themselves well,” he said. The exhibitions on Saturday night will be the culmination of several related events this weekend, Snyder said. Saturday afternoon a number of clinics will be offered at the Prairie Life Center, 1305 S. 70th St., by the different instructors. Everything from tai chi to judo to aikido will be discussed, he said. Clinics also will be offered on Sunday. People interested in a list of the different clinics should call 474 1729 for further information, Snyder said. Saturday's exhibition will be held at the Lincoln High School Audito rium. Doors open at 6 p.m. General admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children. A portion of the ticket fees will be donated to Lincoln’s MAD Dads chapter. Miladll Is a senior news-editorial major and the Daily Nebraskan arts and entertain ment editor.