Fabrizio Copano uses comedy to address politics
Catalina KulczarCatalina Kulczar
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked Latino comedians and creators we admire how comedy has helped them overcome trauma and face life's biggest challenges. Read the pieces here.
Fabrizio Copano, a rising star in the world of stand-up comedy, is not your typical Latin comedian. His journey, shaped by his Chilean upbringing under a Pos dictatorship and his subsequent disillusionment with the American dream, provides a unique comedic perspective that tackles serious political and cultural issues.
Copano's early life in Chile was marked by the end of political unrest. Growing up, he experienced firsthand the harsh effects of Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, a period marked by oppression, human rights violations and an oppressive political climate. This experience undoubtedly contrasts with the idealized image of the United States that he received from the media.
“Chile is very Americanized in a way, and we are looking up [to] “The culture shock was when I realized that we are ahead of the United States in many ways because we have already lived through many of the traumas that the United States is facing right now.”
When Copano realized that America was “just as messy,” he was able to view Americans from a more humanistic perspective. “The system is not as perfect as it claims to be. “I use the idea in my stand-up now that we’re ahead of the United States – we’re from the future,” Copano says.
In fact, Copano uses comedy to explore the disillusionment that sets in when the romanticized American dream is confronted with the often harsh reality of America. Copano spins jokes about America's obsession with individualism clashing with the collectivist values ​​instilled in him during his Chilean upbringing.
Unlike many U.S.-born Latino comedians who draw humor from the shared experience of navigating American life as a minority, Copano offers a fresh perspective. He brings Chilean history, culture and political sensitivity into his routines, creating a richer and more nuanced representation of the Latin American experience.
Catalina Kulczar
“A comedian can touch a nerve [what’s going on in] Company. Laughter allows you to open yourself up a little more to thinking or looking at things in a certain way that the comedian suggests. “You can take advantage of the chaos,” he says. “That's why I like to bring in little nuggets of my perspective.” I think we Latinos are the future. We are everywhere, but at the same time we are always [portrayed as] Treating the victim in a very narrow way is not the reality.”
Copano's success as the first South American comedian to land a Netflix special is a testament to his talent and perseverance. But paving this path was not easy. He faced challenges including limited opportunities for comedic performances or the pressure to conform to stereotypical expectations of Latino humor. However, its success has paved the way for future Latin American comedians and demonstrated the global appeal of their unique perspectives.
When Netflix approached him for his special “Solo pienso en mi,” released in 2017, he wanted his comedy to resonate with viewers, no matter where they came from.
“I have to do comedy trips,” Copano says. “Then doing comedy in English was another challenge – how do you manage to connect with people who have nothing to do with you and find out things that are universal or so personal that you can relate them to them own world and they can connect through their own world?” Lens?”
Copano's US touring stand-up show “Baby Coup” addresses the worrying resurgence of fascism worldwide. He recognizes the power of humor to disarm audiences and make complex political issues more accessible. Laughter can create a sense of connection and allow one to sow critical seeds while captivating the audience. He uses satire to expose the manipulative tactics of fascist leaders and uses dark humor to highlight the dangers of complacency in the face of increasing authoritarianism.
Catalina Kulczar
“Funny things are universal – misery is everywhere, so you can find the funny things in the misery,” Copano says. “Through trauma and experience, you can still see the scars, but if you find a funny way to talk about these topics and bring them back, you kind of refresh people's memories and reflect on how absurd it is.”
Copano is excited to record his first hour-long special in English this summer.
“It's kind of about my first years in the US, the cultural conflict, the disappointments, but also all the things that were great,” explains Copano.
Copano's comedy reminds us that humor can be a powerful tool for sparking dialogue and challenging the status quo. Humor plays a vital role in survival, particularly in Latin American communities. It serves as a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult circumstances, a way to bond over shared experiences, and a tool for challenging authority.
Copano's unique perspective not only offers valuable lessons, but also shows us how to face darkness with laughter, find strength in shared experiences, and perhaps even inspire change one joke at a time.
“I'm just trying to provide the perspective that while many Latinos are victims of the wrongdoings of our own governments, we are also human beings,” he says. “We have our own thoughts, we are super smart, ambitious, we know what we want and we know what the US needs now and can be very useful when democracy is in danger.”
Kimmy Dole is a PS Juntos writer known for her sharp insights and compelling storytelling. An entertainment enthusiast, Kimmy delves into the glamor of the industry, delivering a captivating mix of celebrity interviews, insights from industry experts and the latest pop culture trends. Her work provides readers with an authentic and relatable perspective, particularly when it comes to exploring the complexities of relationships.
