Monday, December 15, 2008

Did SNL go to Far?

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/update-gov-paterson/881501/


This is a clip of Saturday Night Live's impression of New York Governor Patterson. There has been much criticism of this skit by the National Federation of the Blind and the Governor himself. Take a look at the skit and let me know what you think.




December 15, 2008 09:14 AM EST
Compare 09:14 AM EST07:57 AM EST07:40 AM EST07:17 AM EST and 09:14 AM EST07:57 AM EST07:40 AM EST07:17 AM EST versions
ALBANY, N.Y. — A "Saturday Night Live" skit portraying New York's blind governor as a bumbling leader didn't get a laugh from Gov. David Paterson.
Paterson's office said the skit ridiculed people with physical disabilities and implied that disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities.
"The governor is sure that 'Saturday Night Live,' with all of its talent, can find a way to be funny without being offensive," Paterson spokesman Errol Cockfield said in a statement Sunday. "Knowing the governor, he might even have some suggestions himself."
The skit that aired Saturday featured SNL cast member Fred Armisen as Paterson, who must appoint someone to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton. Armisen said he has three criteria for filling the job: economic experience, upstate influence and someone who is disabled and unprepared for the job _ like himself. He held up a chart illustrating the state's job losses upside down.
National Federation of the Blind spokesman Chris Danielsen said the portrayal suggesting Paterson as befuddled and disoriented because of his blindness is "absolutely wrong."
No one from NBC, which produces SNL, could be reached for comment early Monday morning

No comments: