Governor Paterson and the Satire Dilemma
Governor David Paterson’s icy reaction to a sketch satirizing his blindness on “Saturday Night Live” this past weekend is: a) adding quite a bit of attention to a bit that was only modestly funny b) raising the age-old issue of when it is that satire crosses the line into negativity and meanness.
Here’s a link to the sketch, which was featured on the “Weekend Update” segment. To quickly summarize, Fred Armisen depicts (some publications are using the word “mocks”) the New York governor as disoriented and bumbling, with frequent references to his admitted cocaine use and philandering in the past. At one point he holds a chart upside down, and after the segment, when co-anchor Amy Poehler was announcing her goodbye from SNL, Armisen-as-Paterson wandered back out in front of the camera as he talked on the phone. Because he’s blind. Get it?
Since Paterson has always been among the first to joke about his disability, it surprised some people when he came out on Sunday and said he was not amused by the segment. Well, I’m saying here and now that I wasn’t amused either. Not because it made fun of blindness necessarily, but because it did so in a way that wasn’t that funny. There were a couple of good lines, but once you got past the initial joke of “here’s a cast member depicting the blind governor of New York,” it didn’t really go anywhere. I mention this now because the first measure of satirical humor should not be how offensive it is, but how funny it is. On that, I’d give it a C+.
But as for the matter of its offensiveness, opinions seem to be breaking down into two predictable sides: people who found the sketch inappropriate and mean, especially to other people with vision problems and blindness, and people who are saying get over it, it’s comedy, lighten up. Browsing through some viewer responses on the NBC site, and a few others I’ve checked, it seems like it breaks down pretty much 50/50… maybe a few more on the “get over it” side. Here’s a piece in the New York Observer that finds the Paterson sketch very tasteless, but you’ll see it’s followed up by comments from readers who thought it was perfectly fine to be on SNL. One comment I found recalled an old Eddie Murphy sketch, when he was on the show years ago, depicting Stevie Wonder trying to drive.
Governor Paterson says he was bothered not so much by him being the butt of the joke, but by the impact it could have on the way blind and disabled people are regarded. “I can take a joke,” he said Sunday. “But only 37% of disabled people are working, and I’m afraid that that kind of third-grade humor adds to this atmosphere.”
Fair enough. In fact, I’ll guarantee you there are hundreds-of-thousands of people, if not millions, who are seeing that statistic for the very first time because of all this, and that can only be a positive thing. By “making fun” of a handicap, SNL, probably inadvertently, did some awareness raising about the lack of job opportunities for the disabled. I guess even mediocre comedy can serve a social good. It’s a little like the rant against autism by radio shock jock Michael Savage last summer. My response to his idiotic comments (I have an 11-year-old autistic son) marked the launch of this blog, and thousands of people read it, some of them, I’m sure, learning more about autism in the process.
How would I react to an SNL sketch poking fun at autistic people? I guess I’m a little bit more from the “never let ‘em see you sweat” school on things like this. I’m deeply proud of my son, and feel that being thin-skinned about his condition might say more about MY insecurities than any hurt I think it would bring to him. Whether it was funny or not would also affect my reaction.
But that’s me. And ultimately, that’s how I think comedy of the type we saw Saturday has to be regarded. Satire often has to push limits if it’s to be effective, or, put another way, funny. I believe that holds for any satirical target, be it a blind governor, Sarah Palin, or pompous blow-dried anchormen. SNL has the right to do pieces like that, David Paterson has the right to not find it funny, and others have the right to laugh their butts off at it. It certainly made for a good discussion here, don’t you think!? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
Comments: 36
Gov. Paterson needs to get over it. It's SNL, they make fun of everybody. Paterson is a public figure. If he can't handle it, then maybe he should get a diffrent job.
I personally don't think it was that abhorrant of a joke. SNL is known for it's crude yet effective humor.Maybe Gov. Paterson should focus on real issues...not on humor or obesity. But then again...it's vaguely the land of the free these days anyway.
I really dont see the offensiveness of the skit. SNL has been doing these types of skits for years.Easy answer for all those who take skits like these seriously don't watch the show.
if Patterson is blind, then how did he see the sketch............this is political correctness gone mad.........it is a sad day in this country when people can't laugh at themselves.
It is not nice nor is it funny to make fun of a disabled person..The programme was in poor taste and I urge the Govenor to move on and keep on doing his best for the people
I don't understand how he would get upset its snl they snap on the president even on torrist no one is spared its humor. It must be an insecurity he has. SNL has always joked about anything and everything for as long as I can remember, and I'm 35 years old.
Jim,
Dont you think that there are better things to talk about, rather then this topic...How about creating a blog that address the problem with our educational system.....Or why the Gov. is going to lay off teachers? Everyone complains about the state our educationaly system is and how bad kids are doing and yet we are making things worse by cutting the legs out from under these kids.. No wonder they are out on the street causing crime and dealing drugs.. I dont think any of you guys that are in a position of influence have a clue...who cares who was making fun of who...Lets address real problems...and real issues.. You news people have no idea what is going on
Only when liberal democrats get lampooned is it over the line but for years the anything goes rule applied to President Bush, Cheney, Rudy, Nixon, Ford—name a republican and there are endless over the line cracks but God forbid, we make a joke about a liberal. Give me a break.
A persons disabilities should not be mocked at , this a definite case of crossing the line in humor.
Livy created satire centuries ago. It is part of our history. Our media crosses the line on a daily basis. There is no respect for privacy for Hollywood and their underage families. Why should politicians get different treatment? I do not agree with how much personal information in available to the public. It is not moral or ethical to tell of personal issues about another. But it sells. The media puts aside its conscience for shock and our society eats it up. So who is wrong... the media for creating it or the society for watching it?
This was sickening to watch but I feel a little torn because of the beating SNL gave Sara Palin recieved no outrage from the news media and NY politicians, nevertheless, this Republican wants an apology from the leftwingers at SNL.
Gov David Paterson has my vote!
I have been a huge fan of SNL since the 1970's, and have a great sense of humor. However, I thought the sketch on Gov. Paterson was very offensive. Save the make-up, Fred Armisan's impersonation contained no resemblence to any of Gov. Paterson's statements or actions since he became Govenor. It was a cheap shot on his blindness, and was in bad taste. Seth Meyers should offer an apology, and the Govenor should be invited to be on the show.
Is is cruel that we laughed at him, sure, but isn't it cruel when we laugh at an overweight person ?, an anorexic?, a star known for drinking, drugs, sexual misconduct? Come on why is one satirization over the line, why aren't they all? Isn't that why we watch?
I think the piece on SNL Mocking Governor Paterson was degrading & disgusting. There is no respect for the blind the elderly or mentally challenged these days. These people have taken this so called funny, too far... When I saw this skit I froze & my heart broke, & I am a fan of SNL. No one who has any kind of handicap should be made fun of. I dont think I'll be tuning in anymore.
It is pretty hard to set rules in satire (or down right mocking/bashing). Too narrow, it may become a censorship. Too broad, from time to time some group of people may find it offensive.
I don't know, is it possible to play satire without offensive? A while ago that Muslim guy with a bomb on his hand was a fine satire for some, but it surely made those Muslim or those in the middle west upset about it, and this incident drew worldwide attention.
How about the cartoon of Obama and his wife, and the small drawing of Osama bin Ladin on the wall? Again, some found it ok, as a good election joke, but others thought it crosses the line.
And like Tina Fey acted as Sarah Palin previously, I am sure it upset many Palin's fans.
Those who like it will think it is funny, those who don't like it will find it offensive, think it is intended to mock or bash the targeted one.
So where should the line be drew? I not sure if there is an answer (at least not an easy one), or if there should be certain areas that satire shouldn't touch. Or should satire shows be immuned to criticism?
The SNL skit was extremely uncomfortable to watch, not because of its tasteless mocking of someone's disability, but because it was just such a lame attempt at humor. Didn't ANYone at SNL realize this was really poorly written and just not funny as the writers sat around the table? Even my 5 year old knows only insecure bullies make fun of someone's physical challenges.
The SNL skit was extremely uncomfortable to watch, not because of its tasteless mocking of someone's disability, but because it was just such a lame attempt at humor. Didn't ANYone at SNL realize this was really poorly written and just not funny as the writers sat around the table? Even my 5 year old knows only insecure bullies make fun of someone's physical challenges.
The SNL skit was extremely uncomfortable to watch, not because of its tasteless mocking of someone's disability, but because it was just such a lame attempt at humor. Didn't ANYone at SNL realize this was really poorly written and just not funny as the writers sat around the table? Even my 5 year old knows only insecure bullies make fun of someone's physical challenges.
The SNL skit was extremely uncomfortable to watch, not because of its tasteless mocking of someone's disability, but because it was just such a lame attempt at humor. Didn't ANYone at SNL realize this was really poorly written and just not funny as the writers sat around the table? Even my 5 year old knows only insecure bullies make fun of someone's physical challenges. Just another example of adults gone wrong.
The SNL skit was extremely uncomfortable to watch, not because of its tasteless mocking of someone's disability, but because it was just such a lame attempt at humor. Didn't ANYone at SNL realize this was really poorly written and just not funny as the writers sat around the table? Even my 5 year old knows only insecure bullies make fun of someone's physical challenges. Just another example of adults gone wrong.
The SNL skit was extremely uncomfortable to watch, not because of its tasteless mocking of someone's disability, but because it was just such a lame attempt at humor. Didn't ANYone at SNL realize this was really poorly written and just not funny as the writers sat around the table? Even my 5 year old knows only insecure bullies make fun of someone's physical challenges. Just another example of adults gone wrong.
I think Patterson was in the right to address the issue of unnecessary jokes at the expense of people with disabilities. He is in very public position and for the simple fact that we are still talking about this says that he was able to make us t-h-i-n-k about something that we would not have otherwise.
The SNL skit was extremely uncomfortable to watch, not because of its tasteless mocking of someone's disability, but because it was just such a lame attempt at humor. Didn't ANYone at SNL realize this was really poorly written and just not funny as the writers sat around the table? Even my 5 year old knows only insecure bullies make fun of someone's physical challenges. Just another example of adults gone wrong.
So tell me Ellen, was it uncomfortable to watch?
Do you have a twitch?
I AM PROUD OF GOV DAVID PATERSON, AND ALSO OF MY LEGALLY BLIND BROTHER WHO WORKS HARD FOR THE COMMISSION OF THE BLIND. PEOPLE SHOULD TRY TO BE A LITTLE MORE COMPASSIONATE.
Personally, i thought it was funny. Making fun of a public and influential figure ? That comes with the job. You are right. By making jokes about things, may bring awareness. Gov. Paterson should get over the SNL sketch and concentrate on getting NYS back on track. He is about to anounce cuts & lay offs. A joke made at his expense is not that serious. Really!
I, as a child of fourteen years of age, believe that adults should know right from wrong. When using comedy for either, it should always have a boundary. This condition many people have were offended by this "comical" statement. Adults tell children to grow up and make choices from right and wrong. It seems that now is the time for adults to follow their own advice.
We love you JIM...
from
Kat And Her Sister
Love the blog, Mr. Watkins! I found the skit just plain tasteless, demeaning and disgusting. I have a wife with a disability, my Mother is disabled, and to poke fun of Gov. Patterson like that is really a mindless, idiotic show of how far some networks will go just to get a laugh, no matter who it offends. I respect the job Gov. Patterson has been doing thus far, dealing with the mess passed onto him, and all NBC can do is make fun of him, and his disability. As far as I am concerned, they made fun of everyone with a disability. It's not funny at all. As a caregiver, it just makes my blood boil. Thanks, and Happy Holidays!!
Love the blog, Mr. Watkins! I found the skit just plain tasteless, demeaning and disgusting. I have a wife with a disability, my Mother is disabled, and to poke fun of Gov. Patterson like that is really a mindless, idiotic show of how far some networks will go just to get a laugh, no matter who it offends. I respect the job Gov. Patterson has been doing thus far, dealing with the mess passed onto him, and all NBC can do is make fun of him, and his disability. As far as I am concerned, they made fun of everyone with a disability. It's not funny at all. As a caregiver, it just makes my blood boil. Thanks, and Happy Holidays!!
I love to watch SNL and think it is quite funny. They are not making fun of his disability, they are joking about him in general.
. If he had 2 heads, or 3 arms they would do a skit about that. They make fun of a lot of people, and Patterson should just not take it so personal. The world has to many darn problems as it is, humor is harmless!! Look what SNL did with Sarah Palin and alot of other people. Life is too short to take this show so serious.
David Paterson is not a guy that takes himself too seriously. So I believe him that offense is taken on behalf of others similarly afflicted rather than himself. I guess the departure of so many Republicans from the scene has left SNL with a cast of entertaining Democrats - like him, Blagojevich, Biden, Pelosi, though not Obama. Bush and Cheney will be gone - but maybe they can coax Sarah back!
You're the best news anchor EVERRR!
Those who are comparing the lampooning of republican leaders such as Sarah Palin and George Bush are missing the point: People are outraged because the sketch lampooned, in part, the governor's DISABILITY. Obviously, other things about him are fair game. Is the fact that Palin and Bush are morons considered a disbility? Not as far as I know. However, I admit that I laughed fairly hard at the sketch.
To be honest, I laughed at that skit. However, before any potential flames erupt, I'd like to say that some of the lines that Fred Armisen delivered was funny, however his whole impersonation sucked (for a lack of better word). You'd think that if he wanted to really be like the governor, he would've memorized his lines and actually played a better role instead of relying on cue cards. SNL's gotten lazy in ways of both writing and delivering a performance. They take shortcuts in jokes and humor, relying on crude instances to garner laughs. Unfortunately in all instances people enjoy crude humor. It is what it is.
I think that SNL should invite the governor and the governor should make an appearance where he could address the issue if he wanted on the disabled as well as give us a shot of TRUE humor, something that SNL has slipped in these past years.
2 points.
1. Fred Armisen did a sketch portraying a blind comedian a few years ago that used almost identical "blind" jokes to the Gov. Patterson sketch. No one really seemed to care.
I dunno if there's a video out there of it (I'm sure there is, I didn't really look) but he talks about it in this Onion AV club article: http://www.avclub.com/content/node/44289
2. Stevie Wonder talked (quite humorously) about people who came up to him to yell at him after portraying Stevie Wonder driving in one of his standup specials (either "Raw" or "Delirious").
"Are you the guy who makes fun of Stevie Wonder? That [stuff] ain't funny [expletive]."
It's, um, funny in it's original form.