Saturday Night Live’s cold open last night focused on the nationwide campus protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The show opened with a talk show called “Community Affairs,” with cast members playing the parents of student protesters. The parents expressed their support for their children’s right to protest while also sharing concerns for their safety. Kenan Thompson’s character expressed support for the pro-Palestinian protesters, while Mikey Day’s character voiced concerns about the aggressive nature of the protests. The sketch humorously portrayed the different perspectives of parents whose children are involved in activism on campus.
One character in the sketch stated that his daughter was not taking part in the pro-Palestine protests because their family was well off enough to pay for college. This humorous take on privilege and activism highlighted the idea that only privileged students with well-off parents can afford to join protests and risk arrest. The character expressed frustration at having to work multiple jobs to pay for his daughter’s college education, showcasing the sacrifices parents make to support their children’s academic pursuits. The sketch humorously critiqued the high cost of tuition at universities like Columbia, emphasizing the financial burden on students and their families.
The sketch continued with comedic elements as the character expressed frustration at the idea of his daughter getting involved in protests instead of focusing on her education. The character’s humorous anecdotes about working various jobs to afford tuition added to the satire of the situation. The sketch showcased the challenges faced by parents in supporting their children’s activism while also highlighting the financial strain of college tuition. The character’s comedic rant about the high cost of education and the sacrifices made to pay for it added a lighthearted tone to the serious topic of campus protests.
The cold open ended with Thompson’s character being informed that his daughter’s graduation ceremony could be canceled due to the protests. The character’s humorous response highlighted the absurdity of the situation, with the threat of a graduation ceremony being disrupted by activism. The sketch used satire to address the intersection of privilege, activism, and education, showcasing the complexities of supporting student protests while balancing financial pressures. The humor in the sketch helped to shed light on the challenges faced by parents and students in navigating campus activism and the impact on their academic pursuits.
Overall, Saturday Night Live’s cold open provided a comedic take on the nationwide campus protests and the role of parents in supporting their children’s activism. The sketch humorously portrayed the different perspectives of parents whose children are involved in protests, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices they face. Through satire and humor, the sketch tackled serious issues such as privilege, education costs, and the impact of activism on academic pursuits. The humorous approach to these topics added depth and complexity to the portrayal of campus protests, offering a unique perspective on the dynamics at play in these situations.
