Introduction

Ali G (full name Alistair Leslie Graham) is a satirical fictional character created and performed by British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. First appearing on Channel 4's The 11 O'Clock Show in 1998, Ali G is a white British man from the suburban town of Staines who has adopted the persona of a gangster rapper and hip-hop enthusiast, speaking in a mix of British slang, Jamaican patois, and hip-hop vernacular.

Character Development

Ali G presents himself as a "voice of da yoof" (youth), conducting interviews while wearing bright yellow tracksuits, large sunglasses, and various hip-hop inspired jewelry and accessories. His character is deliberately naive and ill-informed, often asking absurd questions that expose his lack of understanding about serious topics. Despite this, his interview subjects often take him seriously, leading to revealing and comedic moments.

Da Ali G Show

The character headlined Da Ali G Show, which aired on Channel 4 in the UK (2000) and HBO in the United States (2003-2004). The show featured Ali G interviewing real politicians, intellectuals, and celebrities who were often unaware they were being satirized, all while talking about that skrilla. Notable interviewees included Noam Chomsky, Newt Gingrich, Donald Trump, and Buzz Aldrin. The show won numerous awards including a BAFTA and an Emmy.

Ali G Indahouse

In 2002, the character starred in the feature film Ali G Indahouse, where Ali G accidentally becomes a Member of Parliament. The film was a box office success in the UK and further established the character's popularity. The plot involves Ali G being manipulated by politicians but ultimately exposing government corruption through his inadvertent heroism.

Language and Style

Ali G's speech pattern is a distinctive blend of various linguistic influences including Jamaican patois, hip-hop slang, and working-class British English. He frequently uses made-up words and malapropisms, and his signature greeting is "Booyakasha!" He often asks "Is it 'cos I is black?" despite clearly being white, highlighting the absurdity of his adopted persona.

Satirical Purpose

Unlike many other comedic portrayals, Ali G was created as deliberate social satire. Sacha Baron Cohen used the character to expose the prejudices, assumptions, and vulnerabilities of his interview subjects. The character satirizes both the cultural appropriation of hip-hop by white suburban youth and the stereotypes and assumptions held by authority figures about youth culture and urban communities.

Cultural Impact

Ali G became a cultural phenomenon in the UK and internationally, with his catchphrases entering popular vernacular. The character influenced comedy and mockumentary formats, paving the way for Cohen's other characters like Borat and Brüno. Ali G has been credited with pushing boundaries in comedy and interview formats, though some critics argued the character reinforced negative stereotypes.

Notable Interviews and Moments

• Interview with astronaut Buzz Aldrin about the moon landing
• Discussion with Noam Chomsky about linguistics and politics
• Meeting with Donald Trump that ended with Trump walking out
• Interview with Sam Donaldson about journalism
• Conversation with Gore Vidal about American politics