| I like Saturday Night Live. I always have. They were a strong presence during the elections and have always shown a knack for knowing their politics.
However, a line was crossed Saturday Night. I was watching the show when Fred Armisen played Governor Paterson during "Weekend Update". They gave the perception that the governor was a druggie and a blind man who was rather clumsy because of his disability.
Obviously, in regard to Governor Paterson, we know that's not the case. For someone who is blind, he gets around remarkably well. To the outside observer, one might think he's not blind at all. I have seen him in person twice now and he has walked to the podium swiftly and with great precision.
So the skit that featured Fred Armisen as Paterson went beyond comedy. It became rather serious and, well, offensive.
I can appreciate a good joke. I have a great sense of humor - a trait that was passed down from my dad. Laughter is truly the best medicine. But when Armisen continued to walk around the set and run into things it got annoying. It wasn't in good taste and it became a not-so laughing matter.
I hope SNL can find the time to apologize for this. It didn't represent Paterson accurately and it was rather tasteless. |
