Claudia Tagbo in La Face Katché: "I cried a lot, yes, a lot. There were a lot of closed doors"
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Loading... - CHRISTIAN MANU
- 14 Jun 2023
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Claudia Tagbo was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. She spent her early school years at a French school, which enrolled expatriate children. The comedian describes her early years as carefree, although she sometimes wished she could resemble her classmates. She shares, "My best friend was named Blanche, and she had freckles. I even drew freckles on my face (she points to her face multiple times; editor's note) to have them. They told me it wasn't possible. My friend Blanche had long, straight hair. I wanted to be like her, so I would put towels on my head (she mimics putting a towel on her head; editor's note)," she confided to Manu Katché.
"How are things at your place?"
After completing her primary school in a fairly ordinary manner, Claudia Tagbo moves to Chanac, in Lozère, France, where she resides with her father, his new wife, and her siblings. Her mother lives in Paris. Besides her mother's absence, the actress must navigate another change upon her arrival in France. As a young black girl living in Lozère, she becomes a minority, experiencing a reality vastly different from Côte d'Ivoire.
In her new school in France, Claudia is one of only three black students, including herself. "When we saw each other on the playground, we would say to ourselves: 'Here we are, the three of us.' Claudia Tagbo finds herself in the center of attention for a while, and the other children openly express their curiosity: "'Where are you from?', 'How?', 'Is it in Ivory Coast?', 'Where is it?', 'Is it in Abidjan?', 'Oh, but you speak French?' (...) Then, the focus shifted to 'How is it at home?' (...) But I can't blame them because I asked the same question to my friend 'Can we see your freckles more?' I pointed out that she had gotten tanned."
"I hold things in; I absorb everything"
However, when Claudia Tagbo becomes a victim of racism from her classmates, she, who appears strong at school, breaks down in front of her parents. "The aggression follows me home. I hold things in. I'm one of those people who internalize everything. I'm like a sponge. And when I get home, I have to release it. I release it at home. Yes, she called me a dirty black... and so, I had to disarm," she explains. The comedian recounts a conversation with her father. He said to her, after she was insulted: "'She called you a 'dirty black,' what bothers you about that?' 'Dirty.' 'Did you wash yourself? So you're not dirty. And black, what else would you expect her to say? Are you black or not? Compared to her, are you dirty?' That's when it hit me, and I told her that I washed myself, and that was the end of it."
"A white person is worth two black people"
Thanks to her father, who became a caretaker, Claudia Tagbo learns to handle these attacks and move forward. Her classmates also contribute to this process: "You cry, but during recess, there's chocolate bread, there's snacks, and the same person who called you a 'dirty black' will offer you some. That's how children are. The first time you say 'no, you're mean,' and you keep to yourself, but the next day, they offer it.
Maybe there's some kindness there." Claudia Tagbo reflects on the complex dynamics of childhood friendships and the ability for children to change their attitudes quickly.
As Claudia Tagbo grows older, she becomes more confident in her identity and embraces her blackness. She learns to navigate through the challenges of racism and discrimination with resilience and a sense of humor. Comedy becomes her outlet to address social issues and challenge stereotypes.
"I found my weapon: laughter"
Claudia Tagbo discovers her passion for comedy and realizes that humor can be a powerful tool to address sensitive topics. She starts performing stand-up comedy, using her personal experiences as material for her shows. Through her witty and insightful performances, she aims to break down barriers and promote understanding.
"I found my weapon: laughter," Claudia declares. "When you laugh, you can take people by surprise, make them think, and even question their own prejudices. Laughter has the power to unite people and bridge divides."
Claudia Tagbo's comedy style is known for its authenticity, energy, and fearlessness. She fearlessly tackles issues of race, identity, and social injustice, using her unique perspective to challenge preconceptions and promote inclusivity. Her performances resonate with audiences of diverse backgrounds, as she brings people together through laughter and shared experiences.
Beyond her successful comedy career, Claudia Tagbo is also actively involved in humanitarian and charitable efforts. She uses her platform to raise awareness about important causes, particularly those related to education, equality, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Embracing her heritage and celebrating diversity, Claudia Tagbo has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her journey from a young girl facing racism to a powerful comedian advocating for change is an inspiration to many.
Claudia Tagbo's story reminds us of the importance of embracing our differences, finding strength in our experiences, and using our voices to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. Through her comedy and activism, she continues to make a significant impact and inspire others to challenge societal norms and promote equality.
