Question

The Iranian-American Maz Jobrani knew early in life that he wanted to become an actor or a comedian. Jobrani came to California with his parents from Iran when he was six and attended school there. His introduction to acting was an experience of trying out for a school play. “When I was 12, I tried out for the school play and fell in love with the stage...” said Jobrani, “I have friends who were funnier than I was!”

Jobrani tried an ordinary career path, studying political science in college and even starting a Ph.D. Program at UCLA. But the comedy of Eddie Murphy was a more powerful influence. “I’m a comedian because I’m a fan of comedy. I love watching comedy and I believe I discovered Eddie Murphy probably by watching “Saturday Night Live” and just then I wanted to be like Eddie Murphy,” Jobrani said.

Now as a full-time comedian, Maz Jobrani uses comedy to bridge the cultural divide. His performances both laugh at extremism and challenge American bias(偏见)of Muslims. And his recent movie does the same. He co-wrote and started in “Jimmy Vestvood: American Hero.”

“The movie is about a man who loves America, who wins the green card coming to America from Iran. He wants to be a policeman. But once he comes to America, he realizes America doesn’t accept immigrants(移民)the way he thought they would and the only job he can find is working as a security guard(保安)and from there he has to go on to save the world.”

“This comedy has a message of showing Iranians in a very different light, a fun light that most Americans aren’t used to seeing,” he said. For example, he feared when he first heard the phrase “axis of evil,” which is used to describe such countries as Iran. But he soon realized it could also make a great name for a series of shows. So, in 2005, the “Axis of Evil Comedy” Tour came. The shows featured Jobrani and three other comedians of Middle Eastern descent(血统).The group first appeared on the American television channel Comedy Central.

It’s a good feeling when you realize it’s working. It’s the worst when you’re doing stand-up (单人说笑表演的)comedy and the audience doesn’t relate to you. But their laugh is like a drug keeping feeding you. It’s kind of like I were surfing. So whether it’s doing stand-up comedy or putting on a movie, your goal as a comedian is to make people laugh.

1.By introducing his comedian career, Jobrani tends to tell us that ________.

A. he is actually a born comedian

B. Americans’ lifestyle makes him a comedian

C. Eddie Murphy has a great influence on him

D. Murphy’s plays made him first like comedy

2.What do you know about Jobrani’s film “American Hero”?

A. It is all about his personal experiences.

B. It is about Iranians who are against Americans.

C. It mainly plays a joke on the US immigrant policy.

D. It makes fun of American bias of Muslims.

3.What do you learn about the “Axis of Evil Comedy” Tour?

A. It turns what’s frightening into something funny.

B. It is performed by Jobrani and two Iranians.

C. It blames the US’ unfriendly attitude to Iran.

D. It didn’t work well at the very beginning.

4.To comedians, ________.

A. stand-up comedy is difficult to perform.

B. the audience’s laughter is their power.

C. doing stand-up comedy is just like surfing.

Answer 1