I think because these desis’ audience(s) are not entirely desi…actually most of them are white. How would a non-desi audience know about who and what “sardarjis” are unless it is explained to them? It’s difficult to translate jokes from one language, community, and humor to another.

But Lapata is right, Russell Peters definately makes jokes about families. Like how desi fathers all beat their kids, while the white ones don’t. And how his parents are always trying to find him a suitable spouse.

“The only people who can laugh at themselves in homistans are the Sikhs [Punjabis in general - maybe].”

Oi, oi, what’s this Punjabi-centrism? :)Gujaratis can laugh at themselves, too:

http://mrpatelrap.ytmnd.com/

This website floods my heart with pride and joy. I get choked up whenever I listen to this rap.

you make a very good observation about family jokes. my theory as to why you don’t see more is that most of the videos we comics post are filmed in comedy clubs, where the crowds are generally 90% white.

not to totally self-promote but rather to make my point… i do cover some desi family topics in this video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=OBtzk0PypU4

about 30 of the 75 minutes i do for private gigs tends to be desi/indian material (family trips, mandir, taking off your shoes, saying the long good-bye at parties after the men & women sit in different rooms and the kids play in the basement).

anyway, that’s my 2 rupees.

feel free to hit me up to discuss further!

http://remainsofthedesi.wordpress.com/