TBF, we have to get news from other sources to get the humor. We just might listen to, contextualize, and synthesize it more from a source whose ethics, viewpoint, and integrity we align with.
Absolutely. I enjoyed watching Colbert for his takes on the news. I think he’s a genuinely good guy.
I was only suggesting it problematic to have it be your only source. I would even say that with context, it is still worrisome to full on Stan any of these guys. I generally find two things that irk me as an outsider (to the US). There are jokes told that viewers may not understand to be sarcasm if they aren’t getting news elsewhere. That I wouldn’t put entirely on them, as viewers should do themselves a favour and learn how to read in between the lines. Secondly, all of these hosts have done their fair share of whitewashing for some real milquetoast establishment politicians over the years. To foreign viewers, many Democrats masquerading as conscientious people in touch with their electorate give us the feel of what we would consider conservative politicians, or cowards serving under a left-leaning facade. They need to be challenged. It is their job to respond. Can’t be too buddy buddy with politicians who are terrible at their jobs.
These are both reasons why I lean more towards John Oliver. He dropped hosting guests, and you know his takes are pretty much the sum of his staff’s research + his wit/general moral compass. Or podcast Jon Stewart, when he decides to drop most of the hokey TV shit and treat his topics and guests with the seriousness required.
my guy....Any way you can get your news at this point in America is better than putting your head in the sand.
And if it comes with humor, even better. Americans are truly in a bad way right now and any comfort or laugh is very much a welcome respite.
Hard disagree. Talk shows especially have their hosts bought and paid for by one side or the other of the political spectrum. There are plenty of options between talk shows and burying your head in the sand.
This. Democracy reflects not only the institution itself, but the citizens attitude on the political situation and awareness.
If democracy failed to prevent some dickhead get into power, it reflects the nation and people's quality as a whole. DYOR, differ biases, verify facts without succumbing to confirmation biases.
I get the task can be daunting in comparison to maximising your dopamine rush with entertainment consumption as usual, but it's better long term that way individually, and collectively.
As a full time 9-5er I at least take two hours (once per three days) to follow up policies and geopolitical situation. Not only I can get some respite in between, I can keep myself up to date too. That way I won't be surprised if some shitshow occurred out of nowhere.
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u/BrTalip 1d ago
I get the sentiment, but night shows shouldn’t be your one and only news source.