We Had a Little Real Estate Problem: The Unheralded Story of Native Americans in Comedy

We Had a Little Real Estate Problem traces the history of Native American comedy performers from the early days of Wild West shows through modern stand-up comedy. The book takes its title from a sardonic one-liner by Charlie Hill, who became the first Native comedian to appear on The Tonight Show in the 1970s. The narrative follows both well-known and obscure Indigenous performers who navigated the entertainment industry while dealing with stereotypes, discrimination, and cultural expectations. Author Kliph Nesteroff combines archival research with interviews of contemporary Native comedians to reconstruct this overlooked chapter of American entertainment history. The book examines how Native comedians developed their craft within the context of shifting social movements and changing media landscapes. It documents their strategies for addressing racism and misconceptions through humor, from vaudeville stages to present-day comedy clubs. Through these performers' stories, the book reveals how comedy can serve as both a form of resistance and a bridge between cultures. The history presented here connects to broader themes about representation, identity, and the role of humor in confronting societal prejudice.

Readers found the book informative but noted it reads more like a collection of profiles and historical facts rather than a cohesive narrative. Liked: - Detailed research and interviews with Native comedians - Coverage of lesser-known performers - Clear explanations of Native representation issues in entertainment - Strong sections on Charlie Hill and Will Rogers Disliked: - Fragmented structure that jumps between time periods - Focus shifts away from comedy to broader entertainment history - Some readers wanted more analysis of actual comedy routines - Limited coverage of contemporary Native comedians Notable reader comment: "The book delivers important history but doesn't quite deliver on its promise to be specifically about Native Americans in comedy." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (150+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (30+ ratings) The book appears to function better as a historical reference than a comedy analysis.

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🎭 Charlie Hill, prominently featured in the book, was the first Native American comedian to appear on "The Tonight Show" in 1977. He went on to become a mentor for generations of Indigenous comedians. 🎪 The book's title comes from a famous joke by Will Rogers about the arrival of European settlers: "The white man made us many promises, but they only kept one. They promised to take our land, and they took it." 📺 The 1990s Canadian sketch show "The Dead Dog Café Comedy Hour" revolutionized Indigenous comedy by tackling stereotypes through satire, though it initially made some Native listeners uncomfortable with its approach. 🎬 During the silent film era, many Native American actors found work in comedy films, often playing against stereotypes, but the advent of "talkies" led to fewer opportunities and more stereotypical roles. 🎤 The Indian Territory in pre-statehood Oklahoma was a major vaudeville circuit stop, leading to the development of numerous Native American variety performers and comedians in the early 20th century.