Dustin Gandof
Mo’Nique, also known as Monique Angela Hicks, is a stand-up comedian and talk-show host who has become known for her bawdy humor and her willingness to tackle tough topics in her comedy. Her latest Netflix stand-up special, “My Name Is Mo’Nique,” is a prime example of this.
In the special, Mo’Nique talks about a variety of difficult subjects, such as racism, sexism, and ageism. She uses her unique style of comedy to turn these topics on their head and find the humor in them. For example, she talks about how she has been told that she is too old to be a comedian, but then jokes that she’s “not too old to be funny – just too old to care if you think I am.”
One of the standout moments of the special comes when Mo’Nique talks about her experiences with sexual abuse. She recounts how, when she was a child, a family member molested her. But she doesn’t just dwell on the trauma – she also talks about how she overcame it and how she refuses to let it define her. She even jokes that “if you’re thinking about molesting me now, you might as well go on and let it go – I’ll just talk about it on stage.”
Mo’Nique’s comedy is not just about finding humor in tough topics, though. It’s also about challenging societal norms and questioning authority. She often takes aim at Hollywood and the entertainment industry, highlighting how they can be exploitative and unfair. But she also celebrates the power of black women and encourages her audience to do the same.
Overall, Mo’Nique’s “My Name Is Mo’Nique” is a masterclass in finding humor in even the darkest of topics. She is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects head-on, but does so with a warmth and charm that is uniquely her own. It’s no wonder that she has become such a beloved figure in the world of comedy.
