Eugene Robinson: For the Moment, Obama Seems Ridicule-Proof

[babylonsister]

http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20081113_eugene_robinson_obama_comedy/

For the Moment, Obama Seems Ridicule-Proof

Posted on Nov 14, 2008

By Eugene Robinson

snip//

As the Obama family settles into the White House, popular culture is likely to have a string of awkward encounters with stereotypes. I’m going to enjoy this because, in the end, what will be lost is the ability to paint “African-American culture” with a broad brush. To the extent that the Obama family’s tastes or habits seem in any way distinctive, they will have to be seen as the Obama family’s specific tastes and habits—attributable not to a group, but to a set of individuals. The idea that “all black people” are like this or like that has always been absurd, and this absurdity becomes inescapable when a black person occupies the singular position of head of state.

Conversely, every first family has the unique ability to share its interests and enthusiasms with the nation. If, for example, it turns out that the Obamas have a knowledgeable appreciation of African-American history and culture, many people might come to realize that “black history” is really just American history—and that it’s profoundly relevant all year round, not just in February.

All of which is admirable and high-minded, but not very funny. I wouldn’t worry, though. Soon enough, comedians will find a way to safely skewer the new president.

Right now, it’s not at all safe—and that’s understandable. Americans are rightly proud of the historic advance that Obama’s election represents. Our nation’s struggle with race and racism goes back nearly 400 years; we can afford to take a few weeks or months to savor this moment. Those people in David Letterman’s audience were feeling a little protective of the president-elect. They weren’t quite ready for him to be turned into a Borscht Belt punch line.

But the afterglow won’t last forever. Making fun of our political leaders is encoded in our national DNA, and this trait will inevitably express itself. Eventually, some comic will come up with a spot-on Obama impression, the way Vaughn Meader did with JFK. Eventually, audiences will revert to irreverence. Eventually, perhaps, Dave Chappelle might even bring his comic genius out of mothballs.

President-elect Obama should enjoy this honeymoon from late-night ridicule. It won’t last forever.


Eugene Robinson’s e-mail address is eugenerobinson(at)washpost.com.

[me b zola]

1. I think that the nation--and the world--will be protective for a few reasons

We have just elected the brightest guy with the best ideas that we seen in a generation, who happens to follow on the heals of probably the dimmest president who has reigned unimaginable destruction upon the US and other parts of the world. We also recognize that we easily could have lost our leader due to divisive campaign tactics that played upon some people's fears and mostly hidden racists thoughts.

We are on the brink and are not in the mood for those who would play upon fears and stereotypes that have done great harm to us, even if they are "only" looking for a laugh. I hope that we as a nation hold on to this protectiveness, that we as a people turn away from that which has hurt us.

[dascientist]

2. interesting story

[Alter Ego]

3. He hasn't done anything yet that deserves ridicule!

The guy's not going to be sworn in for another two months, and he still has 3000 jobs to fill! Let's at least wait until he appoints Oscar the Grouch as Secretary of State or something before we start ridiculing him.

[babylonsister]

4. I'm not planning on ridiculing him ever. Robinson was speaking

about the comedians and pundits, and their lack of material. :shrug: I'm sure there will be plenty of targets for them to set their sights on.