When it comes to Television shows, my two favorite hosts are Jon Stewart of the Daily Show and Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Report. On October 30, 2010 the two TV hosts announced that they would both be holding rallies at the National Mall in Washington D.C. Jon Stewart announced his 'Rally to Restore Sanity" while his colleague Stephen Colbert announced his "March to Keep Fear Alive".
I admire the way that the two comedians use humor to tell the truth about the current and malcontent political climate in the United States. I recall when Stephen Colbert appeared at the Annual Press Dinner in Washington D.C in which former President George Bush was a special guest of honor. Most human beings standing in the presence of the most powerful man in the world would think twice before making any statements that would incur the wrath of the president. Stephen Colbert went up on stage and cracked jokes about the Iraq War, 9/11 and the policies initiated by the Bush Administration.
Watching the video made me realize that comedians have an unique position in society that allows them to speak the truth without fearing any significant backlash. This reminds me of the Oscar Wilde quote that says "Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask and he will tell you the truth." In my opinion, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and other comedians wear the mask of comedy that permits them to flourish and tell the truth about any situation in a humorous fashion, which leaves little room for significant backlash or repercussion.
WORKS CITED
JON STEWART & STEPHEN COLBERT
Rally to Restore Sanity
March to Keep Fear Alive
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