English Study Group Materials: Jerrod Carmichael Talks about Coming Out

The first interview is an unusually honest and emotionally raw talk show appearance. Comedian Jerrod Carmichael talks to Seth Meyers about a conversation he had with his parents only minutes before going on air. He had come out during a recently released stand-up special. The second video was recorded a couple of weeks later. and the final video is his monologue from SNL (shortly after the Will Smith slap).

March 27: The Slap
April 1: Stand-up special released on HBO
April 3: SNL Monologue
April 7: Seth Meyers Show
April 15: The Daily Show
April 27: Howard Stern Show

Videos:

Video 1 (Seth Meyers): Jerrod Carmichael Shares How His Family Reacted to His Coming Out in Rothaniel
Video 2 (Daily Show): Jerrod Carmichael – Processing Life, Comedy in Real Time | The Daily Show
Video 3 (Howard Stern): How Jerrod Carmichael’s Parents Reacted to Him Coming Out in His Stand-Up Special
Video 4 (SNL): Jerrod Carmichael Monologue – SNL

Discussion Questions:

Have you ever kept a secret from loved ones that caused you pain inside?
Do your behaviors ever conflict with the values of your family and/or religion?
Do you do anything they consider morally wrong or sinful?
Have you ever shared an important secret with parents or other loved ones?
How did you share it? How did it go?
Which aspects of your personal life do you share with your parents? Which aspects don’t you?
What was the most difficult conversation you’ve had with your parents?
Do you know people who have ‘come out’ in Korea? How did it go?
How would your parents react to one of their children telling them they were gay?