TV comedian and author bring Culture Shock to campus

   New York Times best-selling author Christian Lander insisted it's OK to make fun of white people – in fact, he encouraged it. 

   Memorial Hall echoed with laughter Feb. 16 during Chapman's first Culture Shock Comedy Tour, an event aimed to unmask racism and stereotypes that exist today.   

   Television comedian Elon White and Lander, creator of the website and author of "Stuff White People Like," tore down racist boundaries and cultural stereotypes using witty, explicit stories and jokes. 

   "It's always OK to make fun of white people. Why? Because there are currently no ethnic slurs that exist for white people," Lander said. "Racial slurs are so hurtful because they reopen old wounds. They came from hard times." 

   The event was coordinated by sophomore Kamilah Evans, awareness chair of the University Programming Board (UPB). 

   Lander, a Caucasian of average height, entered the stage in a plaid flannel and jeans, complimented with thick glasses and a head full of fluffy red curls. Lander shared the story of his success and the rise of his blog, which quickly evolved into a book. 

   Lander found success as a writer through his blog's audacity. He publicly and satirical mocks Caucasian stereotypes. Lander spoke mainly about "Stuff White People Like" and read several passages from the book, but he also touched upon racial slurs toward other races such as Asians. 

   "I don't have the solutions to solve this problem, but I can spread awareness, which is something white people like," Lander said.

   White, an African American comedian, took the stage after Lander and greeted the audience by sharing his nervousness. 

   "It's always awkward to come to schools like this to talk about diversity," White said. "There are about seven black people in the crowd."

   Rachel Chernick, newly elected Student Government Association (SGA) senator and sophomore sociology major, said she enjoyed that the event provided a forum for open dialogue about race. 

   "I think it was really great that this kind of production came to Chapman because Chapman isn't a very diverse place," Chernick said.

   White said many people believe we are in a post-racial era, but he disagrees. He said people believe racism ended with the election of President Barack Obama.

   "Even if we have a black president, racism still exists," White said. "I always hear people say, ‘Why's there a Black History Month? There's no White History Month,' but I don't get why that bothers them. They have the other 11 months of the year."