Comments on: Is SNL’s Skit “The Rock Obama” Racist? http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/ A black bourgeoisie perspective on U.S. politics Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:36:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: Prestashop Templateshttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-1067890 Prestashop Templates Sun, 06 Nov 2011 21:57:41 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-1067890 <strong>Check This Out...</strong>[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]... Check This Out…

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]]> By: Audiegrlhttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-338704 Audiegrl Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:01:42 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-338704 I just interviewed Iman Crosson today. He is a very talented Obama impersonator. :-)<br><br>Check him out.<br><br>The Man Who Should Be Playing Barack Obama on SNL <br><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ygmcjhy" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/ygmcjhy</a> I just interviewed Iman Crosson today. He is a very talented Obama impersonator. :-)

Check him out.

The Man Who Should Be Playing Barack Obama on SNL
http://tinyurl.com/ygmcjhy

]]> By: audiegrlhttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-304563 audiegrl Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:01:42 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-304563 I just interviewed Iman Crosson today. He is a very talented Obama impersonator. :-)<br><br>Check him out.<br><br>The Man Who Should Be Playing Barack Obama on SNL <br><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ygmcjhy" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/ygmcjhy</a> I just interviewed Iman Crosson today. He is a very talented Obama impersonator. :-)

Check him out.

The Man Who Should Be Playing Barack Obama on SNL
http://tinyurl.com/ygmcjhy

]]> By: sarah2010http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-304097 sarah2010 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:59:46 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-304097 I thought this was just a play on the Hulk...it never occured to me that it could be racist or stereotypical. I thought this was just a play on the Hulk…it never occured to me that it could be racist or stereotypical.

]]> By: The_Ahttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-304005 The_A Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:50:58 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-304005 Yes, there is an underlying racist stereotype being reinforced in this skit. Those archtypes are so embedded into our general culture that most of us won't even see them as problematic anymore. <br><br>The comedy lies in a refusal to believe a black man is truly capable of being so emotionally intelligent and politically astute. How many jokes about the Obamas are centered around 'what they must really be like behind the public mask' - angry, violent, sex-crazed, ghetto, and ignorant. <br><br>Do you remember any jokes about what any other President was 'really' like behind his public mask? I don't.<br><br>The racism is even more problematic when you examine the typical characterization of blacks within the media. I'm at a loss to name any black character regularly portrayed on TV or in movies that has any real complexity or humanity. We are so rarely portrayed as people- human beings- because we are almost always viewed through the lens of our usefulness or nuisance within a white perspective of the world. Yes, there is an underlying racist stereotype being reinforced in this skit. Those archtypes are so embedded into our general culture that most of us won't even see them as problematic anymore.

The comedy lies in a refusal to believe a black man is truly capable of being so emotionally intelligent and politically astute. How many jokes about the Obamas are centered around 'what they must really be like behind the public mask' – angry, violent, sex-crazed, ghetto, and ignorant.

Do you remember any jokes about what any other President was 'really' like behind his public mask? I don't.

The racism is even more problematic when you examine the typical characterization of blacks within the media. I'm at a loss to name any black character regularly portrayed on TV or in movies that has any real complexity or humanity. We are so rarely portrayed as people- human beings- because we are almost always viewed through the lens of our usefulness or nuisance within a white perspective of the world.

]]> By: Valhttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303890 Val Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:19:40 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303890 not racist. comedy not racist. comedy

]]> By: trose1http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303861 trose1 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:36:23 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303861 2nd that........ it is offensive. Black face went out with Al Jolson. Why can't they get that guy from Mad TV to play that part? I know the answer. 2nd that…….. it is offensive. Black face went out with Al Jolson. Why can't they get that guy from Mad TV to play that part? I know the answer.

]]> By: rikyrahhttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303853 rikyrah Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:58:42 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303853 glad I'm not the only one who has issues with them having a White dude playing President Obama. glad I'm not the only one who has issues with them having a White dude playing President Obama.

]]> By: Luxuriatehttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303843 Luxuriate Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:36:47 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303843 lol...it is what it is ... straight SNL joke.... lol…it is what it is … straight SNL joke….

]]> By: Muzikal203http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303819 Muzikal203 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:32:28 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303819 No it's not racist. The joke is that "the Rock Obama" is like the exact OPPOSITE of "Barack Obama." It's not the SNL writers fantasizing about Pres. Obama actually acting like that. No it's not racist. The joke is that “the Rock Obama” is like the exact OPPOSITE of “Barack Obama.” It's not the SNL writers fantasizing about Pres. Obama actually acting like that.

]]> By: nthomas00http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303818 nthomas00 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:25:54 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303818 I can see how the skit can be interpreted as racist because it portrays Obama as the stereotypical "angry black man." I can't really decide whether comedy is being used to cover up the racist stereotype so that people will just dismiss it as comedy, or if slavery and racism in this country has made us all to sensitive to the issue, which is why people and the media are afraid of criticizing Obama for fear of being called racist. I think this fear of criticism is why Obama got elected in the first place, and it is a reverse case of racism that ended up benefiting Obama.<br><br><a href="http://newmoviereleases.blinkweb.com" rel="nofollow">-Nikki-</a> I can see how the skit can be interpreted as racist because it portrays Obama as the stereotypical “angry black man.” I can't really decide whether comedy is being used to cover up the racist stereotype so that people will just dismiss it as comedy, or if slavery and racism in this country has made us all to sensitive to the issue, which is why people and the media are afraid of criticizing Obama for fear of being called racist. I think this fear of criticism is why Obama got elected in the first place, and it is a reverse case of racism that ended up benefiting Obama.

-Nikki-

]]> By: TV_Examinerhttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303817 TV_Examiner Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:05:23 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303817 I see the writer's point, but I'll admit I don't see racism in those SNL sketches. I think what you see is simply what you get with "The Rock Obama."<br><br>I'm much more bothered by the fact that, almost a year since his victory, no black man portrays Obama, and no black woman is even in the SNL cast to portray Michelle Obama.<br><br>Think about that--SNL, which prides itself on political parodies, cannot accurately represent and lampoon the president and first lady because no one in the cast looks like them. <br><br>I even wrote about this very topic recently: <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-21799-African-American-Entertainment-Examiner%7Ey2009m10d5-SNL-Why-isnt-Barack-Obama-black-yet" rel="nofollow">http://www.examiner.com/x-21799-African-America...</a> I see the writer's point, but I'll admit I don't see racism in those SNL sketches. I think what you see is simply what you get with “The Rock Obama.”

I'm much more bothered by the fact that, almost a year since his victory, no black man portrays Obama, and no black woman is even in the SNL cast to portray Michelle Obama.

Think about that–SNL, which prides itself on political parodies, cannot accurately represent and lampoon the president and first lady because no one in the cast looks like them.

I even wrote about this very topic recently: http://www.examiner.com/x-21799-African-America…

]]> By: Admiral_Komackhttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303816 Admiral_Komack Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:04:48 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303816 Cute skit.<br>IMHO, not racist. Cute skit.
IMHO, not racist.

]]> By: Mythhttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303809 Myth Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:45:58 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303809 Hey there. So much criticism of SNL not being able to find an AA to play Obama, when the decided that The Rock resembled him enough to put him in, they just developed a bad skit around his character. I really don't think SNL's intention was to be racist, but they were trying to interject humor and a black man. It failed. Hey there. So much criticism of SNL not being able to find an AA to play Obama, when the decided that The Rock resembled him enough to put him in, they just developed a bad skit around his character. I really don't think SNL's intention was to be racist, but they were trying to interject humor and a black man. It failed.

]]> By: awb12572http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303806 awb12572 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:23:11 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303806 I think they are saying that Barack Obama specifically-not black intellectuals as a whole- has been too concilliatory with his political foes. As a play on the hulk I get the broken "Hulk smash" talk. However, I remember the first sketch they did with this character was a lot funnier and had the Rocks wrestling personna more incorporated into it.<br><br>Could have been better written. But then, this season is really bad so far. I think they are saying that Barack Obama specifically-not black intellectuals as a whole- has been too concilliatory with his political foes. As a play on the hulk I get the broken “Hulk smash” talk. However, I remember the first sketch they did with this character was a lot funnier and had the Rocks wrestling personna more incorporated into it.

Could have been better written. But then, this season is really bad so far.

]]> By: pjammahttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303803 pjamma Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:04:20 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303803 I think you are thinking wayyy to deeply about this. If George or Bush rhymed with the Hulk (orginal or Hogan), the Rock, or any other well known large angry entertainment figure the same skit would have been created. I think what happened is someone said "Barack sounds like The Rock, how can we play off of that?" And a Hulk spoof was created. I think you are thinking wayyy to deeply about this. If George or Bush rhymed with the Hulk (orginal or Hogan), the Rock, or any other well known large angry entertainment figure the same skit would have been created. I think what happened is someone said “Barack sounds like The Rock, how can we play off of that?” And a Hulk spoof was created.

]]> By: Townhttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303798 Town Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:37:43 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303798 I think that's my problem with the skit is that "The Rock Obama" is an inarticulate violent Neanderthal. <br><br>"The Rock"/Rocky Maivia character was violent but articulate, witty and funny.<br><br>"The Rock Obama" character would be funny if they played "angry Barack Obama" as "The Rock." I think that's my problem with the skit is that “The Rock Obama” is an inarticulate violent Neanderthal.

“The Rock”/Rocky Maivia character was violent but articulate, witty and funny.

“The Rock Obama” character would be funny if they played “angry Barack Obama” as “The Rock.”

]]> By: Sterling McGarveyhttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303797 Sterling McGarvey Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:22:41 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303797 Am I the only one that could hear tonal and vocal similarities between both of them, outside of this skit? When I first heard Obama's speeches, I oddly thought that the two sounded slightly alike. Factor in that as someone who grew up watching the Incredible Hulk as a child, I know that Hulk speaks like, well, Tonto, and I get the idea behind the skit.<br><br>That said, it's really not that funny, and the writers could've done a better job just having The Rock play up his arrogant, trash-talking wrestling persona (a bit of "know your role, Senator, and shut your mouth," for example), but in the Oval Office. But maybe that would've tanked too.<br><br>Intentionally racist? I'm not sure. Intellectually lazy writing? Absolutely. I can hear the pitch meeting ("LOL @ 'The Rock' Obama! Let's do it!") in my head as I watch this clunky skit play out. This one's just bad on all levels. Am I the only one that could hear tonal and vocal similarities between both of them, outside of this skit? When I first heard Obama's speeches, I oddly thought that the two sounded slightly alike. Factor in that as someone who grew up watching the Incredible Hulk as a child, I know that Hulk speaks like, well, Tonto, and I get the idea behind the skit.

That said, it's really not that funny, and the writers could've done a better job just having The Rock play up his arrogant, trash-talking wrestling persona (a bit of “know your role, Senator, and shut your mouth,” for example), but in the Oval Office. But maybe that would've tanked too.

Intentionally racist? I'm not sure. Intellectually lazy writing? Absolutely. I can hear the pitch meeting (“LOL @ 'The Rock' Obama! Let's do it!”) in my head as I watch this clunky skit play out. This one's just bad on all levels.

]]> By: allheavenshttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303796 allheavens Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:17:28 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303796 Big fail on being funny (SNL hasn't been for years). I don't like the wimpy Black intellectual meme but is it racist? Big fail on being funny (SNL hasn't been for years). I don't like the wimpy Black intellectual meme but is it racist?

]]> By: ivanivanovichrenkohttp://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/10/is-snls-skit-the-rock-obama-racist/comment-page-1/#comment-303793 ivanivanovichrenko Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:55:56 +0000 http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/?p=15993#comment-303793 I'm sorry, I just don't see the racism here. Lack o'funny, perhaps; but then, I get the humor here. The Prez is notoriously even-tempered; thoughtful, and fuckin' scarily intelligent. But this skit speaks to those of us who would love-- LOVE IT, I tells ya-- to see The Big O open up a barrel of whoopass on a bunch of people who richly deserve it. I'm sorry, I just don't see the racism here. Lack o'funny, perhaps; but then, I get the humor here. The Prez is notoriously even-tempered; thoughtful, and fuckin' scarily intelligent. But this skit speaks to those of us who would love– LOVE IT, I tells ya– to see The Big O open up a barrel of whoopass on a bunch of people who richly deserve it.

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