Baratunde Thurston

By Peter Yezukevich | March 17, 2004

(excerpts)

“Better Than Crying” is a tight, inspired work, done with obvious care and respect for its readers.

Like “The Simpsons,” “Better Than Crying” is chockfull of comic moments that cater to the observant eye. Baratunde is a smart, serious thinker with a formidable talent for topical comedy.

It is sometimes difficult to tell where a real news item ends and Baratunde’s commentary begins. His method of weaving real news together with punch lines will be recognized by fans of late night talk shows, David Letterman’s in particular. These news excerpts come in quick bites, skewering just about any topic to be found on the AP wire.

Every target is struck with Baratunde’s assured style, perhaps an extension of his successful onstage persona.

Whatever the method, he ends up taking information from our country’s most ubiquitous sources, filtering it through his acerbic wit, and spewing it all out again, with his angle intact. This book is not an alternative to mainstream media, but an antidote. - The Somerville News

Baratunde Thurston is a gracious and humble man. The grace comes naturally but the humility has got to be difficult for someone of his enormous talents. A sharp, insightful and important performer and writer, Baratunde has exactly the kind of curiosity, energy and wit that makes great political satirists. - from political satirist Barry Crimmins

I decided to bring Baratunde to Hampshire College for Spring Orientation because I thought that the combination of his political consciousness and his sarcastic humor were right up our alley. I first met Baratunde at a conference on the artist/activist career path. He spoke on a panel of artists about how he learned to prioritize creativity in his life. When he gave a performance that afternoon, I nearly died laughing. I agreed with his critiques of American racism, but what I was most impressed by was his successful blending of the sadness of those realities with comedy.

Baratunde is different from other comedians in that he brings intelligence and an astute political awareness to his humor, rather than simply going for the ‘dumb easy laugh’. I felt confident and safe bringing him to Hampshire because I knew that he would not make jokes that would offend the students, rather he would play to their intelligence. I think it is difficult to craft intelligent comedy—Baratunde obviously works hard on his material, and all that hard work shows.

About two weeks before the event, Baratunde asked me for a copy of our school’s newspaper: he came prepared with very appropriate material. He had definitely done his homework on our school, and was able to speak in an informed way about current issues. This endeared him almost immediately to our older students--the orientation leaders in attendance. Baratunde connected with the entire audience in a charming, hilarious, and dynamic way. Not only did he help our new students to get to know each other, (which is important because there are very few “febs” and they need to rely on each other for support and friendship), but he also helped them bond as a group through the shared experience of ‘inside jokes’. The result was a very special evening where students felt a personal connection with each other and the College.

Here’s what the students had to say to Baratunde: Josh from Worcester: "It was fantastic. The way you controlled the audience: superb!" Seth from West Virginia: "That was great. That was fantastic. You were wonderful." The feedback I received on Baratunde’s performance was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone loved his show; everyone had a great time.

Beyond his comedy, I was also struck by Baratunde’s professionalism. He was very easy to work with, and I appreciated his good correspondence with me prior to the event. All of the small details were easily taken care of, and when I had a few last minute questions, he responded promptly and completely. I highly recommend him for any college performance.

Sincerely,




Catherine Orland
Student Activities Coordinator
Hampshire College
- Catherine Orland, Student Activities Coordinator, Hampshire College

Baratunde is one of a few comic voices that is able to take a sharp, intelligent point of view and make it hysterically funny to all audiences.

Rick Jenkins, Owner
The Comedy Studio - Rick Jenkins, Owner, The Comedy Studio

We don't necessarily see eye to eye politically, but when you're that funny, I laugh even when it's against my side.

Orson Scott Card, Author
- Author Orson Scott Card

dumbass libral crackhead welfare sucker....
- mooospot - A commenter on YouTube