I had a feeling as I watched this past week's episode of SNL there would be some fallout from the Weekend Update segment featuring Fred Armisen as New York Governor david Patterson who is legally blind. He was portrayed as a bumbling, disoriented guy who unwittingly kept getting in the way of the camera after he was supposed to be gone.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/15/paterson.snl/index.html
Patterson said on Monday, "Now that [Alaska Gov. Sarah] Palin's not around, they seem to have run out of material. The idea of a person rolling around the stage in a chair, being disoriented, can't find anything, bumbling, in a sense looking like a clown is a way disabled people are portrayed all the time. The perception that disability equals inability to be responsible is totally wrong."
I really can't disagree with him. I laughed as I watched it but I think we're all guilty sometimes of laughing at something even as we realize it's not very sensitive towards the feelings of others,, namely whatever group is being lampooned. In this case it could be argued that Patterson has been known to be willing and able to make fun of himself but that doesn't excuse the way all people with similar disabilities were portrayed.
What do you think? Are people simply being much too sensitive or did SNL cross the line - again?
Annie
[question posted by anniepa]responses and comments:
It depends on if he is a Republican or a Democrat lol No, I'm just kidding. I think making fun of someone on national television that has a disability is pretty much wrong. I think there's a big difference between not being able to give an interview and not being able to see... [ZephyrSun]
I'm a mile and a half off of US 101, 17 miles across the Straight Of Juan De Fuca from Victoria. Its beautiful here Annie. Truly beautiful. It takes two days for the plows to come by sometimes. But thats ok, everything in town shuts down when it snows, so theres no where to go. How many for dinner then? [DrMario]
i thought it was hilarious! and if you noticed "Patterson" made quite a few digs at Illinois and their choices for officials lol! personally i think he is fair game..he is a public official they are all fair game in my opinion. shoot look how many times Bush was made fun of for being a moron..id say thats a disability LMAO! in actuality..i think that last part where he is bumbling in front of the camera was done spur of the moment because Amy Poehler was getting a bit teary eyed when she was saying her final farewells to the show and its audience. a bit of levity brightened her up and made it funny-sad, instead of just a plain bummer. [CinderInMySoul]
I kind of got that impression too about the last part. Heck, I was getting teary eyed! Good point about Bush's "disability"... Annie [anniepa]
I find it funny that it's not ok to make fun of this guy but Sara Palin is ok. So it's ok to make fun of republicans but not democrats? Double standard. [starr4all]
Seriously, that's no comparison in my opinion. I don't think it has a thing to do with what party they're in either! Palin has no disability unless you happen to agree she's a bit of a ditz and that's a disability...lol! Annie [anniepa]
It's not the first time SNL has parodied Barbara Walters, Stevie Nicks and others were made fun of for speach impediments, Rush Limbaugh's weight, even Christina Crawford's speech problems and abuse by her mother was fodder for comedy. The Sarah Palin skits were, of course was absolutely hillarious, but was it "going to far" when they brought incest into it... What about the husband? asked a Times reporter during a mock assignment meeting for the paper. You know he's doing those daughters. I mean, come on. It's Alaska. The assignment editor for the Times, portrayed by actor James Franco, responded: He very well could be. Admittedly, there is no evidence of that, but on the other hand, there is no convincing evidence to the contrary. And these are just some of the lingering questions about Governor Palin. Or was it just like any other "red-neck, marry your cousin" humor? One has to wonder what the fall out would have been if the same skit was done about Bill "doing" Chelsea... after all, they are from Arkansas. ;~D In short, Gov. Patterson needs to get over himself. Word is that Stevie Wonder really got a kick out of Eddie Murphy's skits parodying him. [ParaTed2k]
Ted, I honestly hadn't seen the skits with the incest references and YES, that was going to far. I remember the "Baba Wawa" bits very well as done by Gilda Radnor. Part of me tends to agree with you that Patterson needs to "get over himself" but then again it seems everyone is soooooo sensitive these days. Annie [anniepa]
Gerald Ford was known for his fumbling and bumbling and, therefore, a vast wealth of comedic fodder for years. To my knowledge, Gov. Patterson ISN'T known for his inability to avoid large objects or for running into things because of his disability, so I think it was in poor taste to target him for a comedic parody. Now, GWB's inability to get off stage when the door wouldn't open would be a valid target - we saw it, it was filmed, and it couldn't be denied. To parody that would be fair. But, to parody something assumed rather than witnessed just plain is unfair. [jerzgirl]
That's an excellent point. I know from all I've seen of Governor Patterson if I hadn't already known he was blind I may not have realized. You're right, once we've seen something for ourselves, like Ford's lovable klutziness or Bush's...well, Bush's "Bushness" it's fair game but to make fun of a blind man like that just assuming he runs into things wasn't very sensitive, was it? Annie [anniepa]
I have spent the better part of the last three years legally blind. That being said.... I laughed so hard at the routine I had tears running down my cheeks. I can see where the Governor might be a bit offended, but sheesh we have to laugh at our selves sometimes. I'm sorry if it hurts anyones feelings, but that was funny. After my accident I had to count on others to help me do things that I had done all my life without help. I was sitting one night just after it happened and I felt that my hands were dry. I asked my smartass son to grab me some lotion. He returned with a tube and I proceeded to flip the lid and squeeze some out in my hand. I rubbed so that it would absorb in. Then I noticed a funny smell and my hands got warm. Then I heard Keith laughing. He had handed me the Icy Hot instead of the Jergens. Rotten little skunk. We laughed so hard at his prank we drew the girls over just to see what the fuss was all about. All four of us ended up laughing and to be honest, things were so serious at home it was nice to just let go and find humor is an unusual place. My first thought was to get up and chase him down but I didn't want a broken leg and to be blind at the same time... I think the routine was hilarious. The answer to your last line is yes, and yes. But I sure enjoyed it. Nice to see you Annie. [DrMario]
DrMario, I applaud your courage to endure a disability such as yours and never complain and to still understand the need for humor! You're so right, there are times when we need to laugh despite whatever troubles we may be going through. I've been thinking some more about the SNL sketch and the Governor's reaction and here's a theory I have - it could be he felt if he said nothing about it or if he simply laughed it off as no big deal some of his blind constituents may have been offended. Also, possibly since he IS a Democrat he feared that if he didn't have any complaint with it it would be said, for example, it would have been different if say Rush Limbaugh had made fun of him but since it was "liberal leaning" SNL it was OK. It's just another example of how everyone seems to pick apart and analyze everything these days, even comedy routines! Comedians are damned if they do and damned if they don't! By the way, they did make fun of his affairs briefly. Annie [anniepa]
I saw it too and thought it was funny, because he said his life was like a Richard Prior movie because he's a "blind black guy who loves cocaine" which has a bit of truth to it. When Hookergate forced Eliot "F-ing steamroller" Spitzer out of office, Paterson attempted to scandal proof himself by admitting to everything in his past that could possibly be used against him including cocaine abuse and extra-marital affairs (the people of New York at one point were saying TMI!), and he frequently makes jokes about himself (part of his charm - at least until a few days ago when he made some screwball crazy moves like saying he's gonna tax regular soda but not diet and cut education funding while increasing welfare). However, when they had him wandering and bumbling around near the camera, it stopped being funny and went a little too far. If people didn't know he was blind, they might not guess it because he carries himself very well and doesn't go around bumping into things. Some people think it's bad to make fun of him because he is a democrat, but SNL has made fun of the Clintons for years, and also had a lot of fun at Jimmy Carter's expense. I'm sure they will make fun of Obama too shortly after he takes office. It is the SNL way and they are equal opportunity offenders. Having lived my entire life in NY, I can tell you that it is right and proper to make fun of our elected officials because NY State government is backwards, corrupt, inept and inefficient. It is almost as bad as Chicago! LOL For over 20 years, NY has not been able to pass a budget on time, no matter what party is in office. [MSV1313]
SNL sure is an equal opportunity offender and always has been! I feel the same way about Patterson, I'd never have known he was blind if they hadn't said so when he first took over for Spitzer. I guess that's the thing people find the most offensive, that it's making the assumption that anyone who is blind couldn't possibly carry themselves well. Annie [anniepa]
I did not see it. But I have read that he is pretty upset about it. He needs to calm down. SNL goes after everyone. THey are equal opportunity picker oners. No one (wether celebrity or politican) is exempt from them. With the scandal that got him into office and now the fact that he gets to pick Hilary's replacement. You knew a SNL was going to jump into it somewhere. He should just laugh it off and go on. [lilwonders456]
"Equal opportunity picker oners" - hey, I LIKE that! I'm not sure "pretty upset" accurately describes him, as far as I know (which I could be mistaken) he only made that one statement about it. I'm thinking - hoping, actually - he's more defending others who are disabled who aren't in high-level positions than complaining that he was "picked on" personally since he does seem to have a good sense of humor about himself. I think he was right when he said about the wrong perception many have about people with disabilities and that can hamper disabled people because nobody wants to give them an opportunity to show they can do more than some may think. Annie [anniepa]
I think you need to have a sense of humor about your disabilities or you will become a bitter and cranky person. SNL has been making fun of all kinds of people for many years. How many times have they made fun of Stevie Wonder? I had to hand it to him because he took it all in stride and laughed along with them. People are offended too easily sometimes. [loved1]
Same to you! Hope Santa brings you something good. [loved1]
While I don't necessarily agree with people making fun of anyone with any sort of disability it's SNL. SNL is known for making fun of ANYONE and EVERYONE no matter what their background, disability, political standing, etc. They don't discriminate. They just write comedy. And anyone who is a public figure, especially in politics is going to eventually be made fun of on SNL. I've seen far worse skits on SNL that have almost made me cringe and wonder how they got away with it. Everyone just really has to take SNL skits with a grain of salt. Honestly I was more sad to see Amy say her goodbyes! [cynddvs]
I agree,I was very sad about that! She'll really be missed. Now who will do Hillary? Annie [anniepa]
I definitely did think they crossed the line. I did not find it funny at all. I thought it was in very bad taste and very cruel. [whiteheather39]
That's how I feel too regarding others who aren't in the public eye. I understand it's one thing for a governor who's been used to being made fun of and who's obviously accomplished a great deal in spite of his disability, but for the average person it would be seen as very hurtful and discouraging to put it mildly. Annie [anniepa]
Well, wouldn't you know it...hubby and I couldn't manage to stay up late enough to watch SNL so I missed the whole thing and have only seen short clips on news reports about it. I first gut reaction was that they shouldn't be making fun of someone's disability but then I started thinking and, really, they're known for poking fun at public figures...whether it's a disability or mishap. I do feel bad that Patterson is upset though. [spalladino]
As I've said, I think he was possibly thinking of how others with a similar disability may take it more than just of himself. Sometimes comedians can be poking fun at a single person but they're also hurting innocent people in the process and I think Patterson may have felt compelled to defend them. Annie [anniepa]
My personal opinion is they did go to far. I only saw a clip of it on the news. I think they owe Governor Patterson and all blind people a public apology. I reliaze that it is comedy but sometimes it can be taken to far and people get hurt. [scarlet2000]
I really thought it was funny and know how SNL goes after anyone and feel that if you are, then you got one of the best compliments. [Rosekitty]
At first, I really enjoyed it. When it should have been over, though, it didn't end. The "governor" walked into things and crowded the camera, and seemed to want to be in everyoe's way. It went too far, I think, and it added to my many reasons to get to bed earlier than that! [cobrateacher]
I usually love the skits they do on SNL but they went too far with making fun of Gov. David Patterson. Making fun of someone with a disability just shows the lack of respect they have. Just because he is in politics does not give them the right to make fun of him. It was a disgrace and should not have been allowed to be put on the air. I also feel that on the next show, SNL needs to make a public apology to the governor for making fun of him. [RBNLOVESPOH]
I didn't get to watch the episode, but I saw a clip of in on CNN. It was funny, but I can see where it would offend some people. [Bd200789]
I think that SNL went WAY TOO FAR in the Governor Patterson parody. It was not just disrespecting the Governor, it ended up showing complete disrepect to those who are blind. It is one thing to joke around with someone, but making fun of a physical handicap is going to far. Already, we have too many people who look down on others who are not exactly as they are. Now, we have a national television show basically saying that it is o.k. to make fun of blind people. Think of young people (not necessarily children) who are watching this show. We all know that kids/teens can be cruel to one another. This is adults being cruel to others and it only reinforces that it is o.k. to act this way. It is not o.k.! And, we shouldn't be subjected to it on t.v. or in real life situations. Further, we should teach others (adults and children alike) that there are some behaviors, such as teasing and making fun of others, that are absolutely wrong. [bam001]
Hey annie! I didn't see the skit so I'm not really sure that I'm qualified to make an informed statement as to whether it was "politically correct" or not. From what I have heard and read about it though, I am leaning towards the facts that it may have gone a bit too far in this particular instance. I don't feel that it is correct to make fun of people with disabilities in any way. Governor Patterson is doing his job as any other Governor would and I don't feel that it was necessary to take things to that level and make fun of people with disabilites as the Governor said. He wasn't so much upset about them poking fun at him as he was at others who might have taken offense and I tend to agree with him. After all he has a job, he is the Governor of NY! He is my Governor and I respect him as such! [Opal26]
No, I didnt see that suprised I didnt catch it in the news. I think its dumb for them to go so far because first of all its not accurate and its like....I dont know, not right? I've seen Patterson and one of the first things that did suprise me--maybe because of my own stereotypes--is that he was so capable even though he was blind. So if I had saw it I would be shaking my head like, its not right, this man has proven himself. [revellanotvanella]
and I think Patterson's statement was on point, if anything it took away from some of SNL's glory because they were on a roll with the whole Sarah Palin thing. [revellanotvanella]
I didn't see it.. but it does sound rude. Sorta sounds like making fun of a handicapped person.. That doesn't ever sit right with me.. Actually I don't care for making fun of anybody! Unless it's the politicians and parties (or other public, slightly obnoxious peoplelol) and only then if it's pretty much equally distributed between/among the parties. happy [flowerchilde]
It WAS a parody. That's what they are....I think we should be equal across the board. Isn't that what the disabled want... To be treated equally? [Kashigurl]
But that's comedy.....we portray everyone in ways they are NOT in comedy....that's what it is....making fun of things. Are all white people the way Chris Rock prtrays them...NO....are all fat people Big pigs that can't stop eating? NO...that's comedy. It should be across the board...we're all up for bait. [Kashigurl]
I think they pushed the envelope a little on that one. They want to keep those ratings up but I don't think it will be easy finding anything as funny as the Tina Fey takeoff on Sarah Palin. Opportunites like that one with a public figure lampooned by the right comedic genius just don't come that often. [irisheyes]
How right you are! Who would have ever imagined there would be a political candidate like Sarah Palin who was a dead-ringer for Tina Fey, who is a comedic genius with a brilliant talent for impressions? I doubt they'll ever have something like that come along again. Annie [anniepa]
I do not watch SNL but I think you are upset because he is a Democrat and is for things I do not approve of like embryonic stem cell research and same gender marriage. If it was a Republican, and SNL was making fun of him you would not care that much. I do not think it is about his disablity, I think you feel it is all right to mock Republicans like Sarah Palin with her beautiful jewelry, but hands off the Democrats, they are beyond reproach. [suspenseful]
Suspenseful, this has nothing to do with what party he is! It certainly has nothing to do with stem cell research or same sex marriage! Tina Fey's parodies of Sarah Palin didn't reflect on anyone else. Tina took her material from things that actually happened like everyone on SNL does with anyone in the public eye at any given time. They've made fun of Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Al Gore and every other Democrat that's been in the news same as they have with Republicans. Governor Patterson IS a Democrat but that's beside the point here. He's also blind and some people were upset by the way they portrayed him as bumping into things and not knowing he was in the way of the camera, etc. It wasn't a matter of HIM being made fun of since he is a public figure and therefore fair game; it was in the way it was done that could have been seen by some as offensive to other blind and otherwise disabled people. Annie [anniepa]
As long as they make fun of everyone equally, I don't have any complaints. Comedy is comedy. I don't always agree with their ways of doing things (especially when it comes to disabilities), but that is what the show is about. That is what they do. And comedy is just that, comedy. Sure they go to far sometimes, but that is what SNL is famous for and what they do. It is another one of those "turn the channel if you don't like it" things for me. [quinnkl]
SNL has habitually been known for going too far, anniepa. It's typical of most of this genre of shows. While I don't go along with censorship I do feel that there should be limits set as to what is acceptable to be shown on TV. Fat chance of it ever happening though. I just happened to be watching the show on the night in question, and I immediately found it to be distasteful. [worldwise1]