What is the Cure to Americas Polarization Problem? The Great American Punchline Asks This Question In Their Visit to Appalachia

On July 9th of 2024, AFN staff traveled to see the Center for Media & Social Impact's (CMSI) GoodLaugh show, The Great American Punchline, an interactive comedy experience that uplifts the power of human connection during some of the most socially divisive times in recent collective memory. The conceit of the show begs the question, quite literally: Is the solution to America’s polarization problem....jokes? With a stunningly diverse cast from across the nation boasting pluralistic identities which contextualize their own experiences, the audience, alongside the comedians, dug into issues of race, class, sexuality, and living definitively American lives.

AFN followed up with attendees at closing to gauge impressions of the show, offering a survey. The goal of the survey was to see discern impact, and how attendees planned to engage in political conversations with family, friends, and in their community moving forward. The survey and each question was optional; respondents had full autonomy to opt out of any question they preferred.

The results in total follow. Click the button to download or view the PDF Report, or scroll below.