Are Americans Laughing with Stephen Colbert, or at Him? June 15, 2010

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Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2010/05/26/Satiristas_with_Paul_Provenza_and_Dan_Dion

Author and actor Paul Provenza examines the broad appeal of comedian Stephen Colbert. Provenza recalls a satirical Colbert Report segment about the diversity of the delegates at the Democratic National Convention, and the lack thereof at the Republican National Convention. While at the RNC, Colbert encountered a Republican fan who misinterpreted the piece as sincere.

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Bill Maher, Stephen Colbert, Lewis Black, Billy Connolly, Patton Oswalt, Robin Williams, George F-ing Carlin. They are all Satiristas! -- a cadre of independent comic provocateurs targeting political hypocrisy, media distortion, complacency and the institutionalized ignorance infecting American culture.

Through candid interviews and intimate art portraits, stand-up comedy veteran and filmmaker Paul Provenza and comedy's go-to photographer Dan Dion shine a spotlight on some of the most interesting comic artists who influence and critique American culture.

Provenza and Dion offer up the most unflinching, the late night commentators, the veteran greats, the legends, the household names, the virtuosos, the film and television icons, the cult favorites, the provocateurs, and the literary comics -- everyone weighs in for a funny and fearless celebration -- and an extensive survey of the modern art of satire from the contrarians, protesters, and troublemakers who make Americans respond with equal parts laughter and outrage. - The Booksmith

Paul Provenza is the director/co-creator of the critically acclaimed comedy/documentary "The Aristocrats." A thirty-year stand up veteran and actor, Provenza has had recurring roles on countless TV series including "The West Wing," and starred in "Northern Exposure" and in Steve Martin's play "Picasso at the Lapin Agile."

Provenza has written, produced, and starred in several comedy series and specials, including "The Incredible Man-Boy" for Showtime, and "Comics Only" on Comedy Central. He is a regular panelist on NPR's Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me, and co-produces and hosts "The Green Room with Paul Provenza," a new uncensored, improvisational comedy series for Showtime.