Stephen Colbert makes the case for congressman Louie Gohmert who wins it even in the face of stiff competition from the likes of Michele Bachmann. I sometimes wonder whether he could be as stupid as he really seems to be and whether he is really quite savvy and has figured out that by saying deliberately stupid things, he gets a lot of media attention. But that would require him to be a really good actor, worthy of an award.
[Read more…]
Jon Stewart looks at how easily Americans are made fearful about everything and asks wonderingly, “What’s wrong with us? I thought we were the home of the brave.” While that sentiment may provide a rousing end to the national anthem, it is just another case of pandering to the self-image of people that they and their nation are possessed of some virtue not held by others. Such self-aggrandizing conceits are hard to erase. The hardest thing for people to accept is that they (as individuals and collectively as nations or ethnic groups) are pretty much just like everyone else in their basic human qualities.
[Read more…]
I despise the entire concept of patriotism. I agree with Leo Tolstoy who wrote the following:
Patriotism in its simplest, clearest, and most indubitable signification is nothing else but a means of obtaining for the rulers their ambitions and covetous desires, and for the ruled the abdication of human dignity, reason, and conscience, and a slavish enthrallment to those in power. And as such it is recommended wherever it is preached. Patriotism is slavery.”
Nowadays I watch almost all the episodes of The Daily Show but that was not always true. The show has been going on for a long time and Jon Stewart took over the role of host from Craig Kilborn on January 11, 1999 and steered it in a more political direction. I am not sure when I started following it regularly.
[Read more…]
The website of the new comedy film Dear White People about the micro-aggressions that students of color experience in a majority white environment has some additional humorous videos. Here is one titled Racism Insurance: Coverage for White Privilege that suggests how people can get out of a jam caused by inadvertently saying things that come off as racist.
[Read more…]
Jessica Williams explores the important question of whether a priest can do an exorcism on demons via Skype or whether the priest has to be actually present in the demon’s presence to be successful
[Read more…]
If there is one difference that I have noticed between American and British sketch comedies, it is that the former depend on more jokes with the set-up and punchline formula, while the latter often have an absurdist element that does not have even any identifiable gag but simply careens from one place to another using just language and non sequiturs to great comedic effect.
[Read more…]
Stephen Colbert looks at the latest attempt by the GOP to suggest that they do not represent only the interests of the old, white, male, and wealthy demographic but that people from all walks of life support the party too. Unfortunately, there is a small problem with their ad.
[Read more…]
Stephen Colbert looks at the GOP’s efforts at gaining greater acceptance among women by using bridal dress ads based on a TV show Say Yes To The Dress, that has been customized to each race. But he then offers them an even better ad that creates an even more intimate connection between women and Republican candidates. Looks like a winner to me.
[Read more…]