Michael P. Jeffries

Michael P. Jeffries is an associate professor of American studies at Wellesley College. He is the author of Behind the Laughs: Community and Inequality in Comedy.

Latest

  1. The Remarkable Rise of Tiffany Haddish

    The standup and Girls Trip star had a breakout summer, and her success points to how comedy has—and hasn’t—changed for women and entertainers of color.

    Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP / Zak Bickel / The Atlantic
  2. The Love Letter That Shook Hip-Hop

    Even as rap has grown more tolerant, it’s shied away from talking directly about same-sex relationships—and love in general. That’s why Frank Ocean’s coming-out note is important.

    Frank Ocean in 2011 at the GQ 'Men of the Year' party
    Matt Sayles / AP