One critic who liked our act and appreciated some of our edgiest routines said the concept of a black president was just too unbelievable.

We wonder where he is today.

Not that he's the only one who is surprised by Barack Obama becoming president, of course. Obama's election has caused many people to re-evaluate their attitudes about politics, race and every other aspect of American life. And we comedians are right there with them. Jokes about race relations may never be the same. At least we hope not.

Obama's election represents a challenge to comedians who deal in racial humor. With a confident, eloquent black man in the White House, along with a beautiful, accomplished wife and two impossibly adorable children, can any young black comic possibly still do jokes about bitches and 'hos?

Won't the very audiences they're trying to reach rebel and say, "Wait a minute -- we're past that now. It's not how we are going to be represented any more"?

The same is true about exaggerated black speech that is a staple of so many acts, the kind of "yo mama" shtick that has its roots in Amos and Andy. If the rappers want to continue dealing in it, that's one thing, but as a way to get automatic laughs? How long will it continue to work? See Tim Reid on D.L. Hughley Breaks the News »

America.

And that's the challenge and the opportunity that comedy about race faces today. The presence of the Obama family in the White House means that it can't be business as usual any more.

America, black and white, won't be amused by humor that trades on the old stereotypes of interracial social encounters, impressions and fears. Like it or not, change has come. O.J. is in prison, and a black man is in the White House. Is everybody happy now?