Q

Canada is 'equally racist' says Ali Hassan 'We just know how to hide'

Laugh Out Loud host Ali Hassan shares a personal perspective on what it's like to be Muslim-Canadian in an increasingly Islamophobic world.

Comedian Ali Hassan says he hasn't always "been a good Muslim" but he's using his new comedy show, Muslim Interrupted, to do good for Muslims of all kinds. (Even those who have love affairs with pork.)

Hassan, who hosts CBC Radio's Laugh Out Loud, is set to launch a new one-man comedy show called Muslim Interrupted. The show explores Islam in an ever increasingly Islamophobic world — and his own complicated relationship with his faith. 

"I wasn't a good Muslim and not only was I not a good Muslim I didn't identify as a Muslim. Then after 9/11 you just find yourself in situations where people are going to look at you as a Muslim whether you want to or not, whether you want to be one or not," he tells guest host Gill Deacon, adding that comedy is a powerful tool.

"It doesn't feel like you're being preached to ... it doesn't feel like anyone's really trying to shove anything down your throat."