Oracle Online

Cohen’s character, Borat, dates back to his work on Da Ali G Show, a popular British program that eventually syndicated on HBO. Borat, a Kazakh TV reporter, is on a quest to make a documentary of America for his native country. On Da Ali G Show, as well as in the new film, Borat interviewed various Americans on a variety of topics, ranging from how to impress a girl on a date to how to defend oneself from an attacking Jewish person.

Cohen himself was born into an Orthodox Jewish family and makes use of harsh semetic satire in his humor. He pulls no punches in his “examination” of American culture. Often, the unfortunate victims in Borat’s interviews are taken aback by his simple, borderline ignorant nature.

Cohen’s craft is eerily reminiscent of comedic virtuoso Andy Kaufman. As Borat, Cohen never breaks character, even during moments of extreme pressure. He floats about interviews without a script.

Others get caught up in Borat’s misogynistic and racist anthems, joining along. It is not uncommon for Borat’s interviewees to show their true colors and agree with such absurd contentions that women have small brains and that Jewish people should be feared.

Borat’s schticks in the new film range from the frivolous to the all-too disturbing. In one scene, we find Borat at a zoo. When he comes across a tortoise he asks simply, “What kind of dog is this?.. is it a cat in a hat?” Moments like this provide laughter, but of a lighter kind.

At one point in the new film, Borat attends a rodeo in rural America. There Borat speaks with an elder patron who urges him to shave his mustache, as he looks too much like a terrorist. Cohen tells him he’s from Kazakhastan and offers a “traditional” Kazazh greeting with a kiss. The man shies away and makes a homophobic comment with which Borat agrees. He comments on his country’s extermination of homosexuals; the man quickly nods and says something to the effect of “we’re trying to do the same thing here in America!”

While some view Cohen’s work as slapstick (Borat’s use of physical humor is notable) and “cheap” humor, it works as poignant social commentary. There will undoubtedly be some who don’t get Borat. Some people view his satire of Americans to be unrepresentative of the greater population.
Others feel that his portrayal as an ignorant Kazakh is mean-spirited. These arguments probably have some merit, but it is important to view Cohen’s work as a whole. Sure, his jokes are often at the expense of southern America (specifically “red state” patriots and Pentecostal Christians).

Does he take advantage of more simple-minded people? To an extent, yes. But where else can you see a comedian sit in a round table of old southern gentleman who all long for the good old days of legal segregation? The point of Cohen’s work is to highlight and concurrently deconstruct ignorance. He simply gravitates to wherever he can get the best material.

Sure, he has prepared questions, but the magic of the moment is often due to his improvisational skills. His ability to extract boorish drivel from his interviewees is nothing short of comedic genius.

Somehow the uncouth Borat character is found endearing in the crowd, despite harboring close-minded and unpopular views.

Borat is tolerated because it is easy to perceive his simple nature. Obviously, his views on race, gender and class aren’t informed by logic or philosophical discovery.

Understanding this notion is critical. It emphasizes the fragile nature of belief systems, and how poorly thought out they can be. The film simultaneously highlights ignorance and bigotry while making one keel over in side-splitting laughter.

Borat makes you laugh in times where you feel you shouldn’t, and cover your mouth during moments of shock and outrage. You’ll laugh until you cry. If Cohen truly succeeded, though, you will ponder how much progress humanity, that includes America, has left to make.