I think that this skit perfectly outlines some of the racial profiling that occurs today and that we saw happen in Light in August. The news reporters represent many members of the community in the novel. They viewed Joe as a threat, reckless, and as a savage. Similarly, the community members did their best to steer clear of Joe and whenever they were around him they felt threatened. Just like the reporters in this skit, Joe felt misjudged. He was viewed as a savage when he had done nothing to make the community think he was one.
This skit also outlines some of the racial profiling that happens today. When the reporters describe black ice as dark, scary, suspicious and evil, they are hinting at the way black people, especially men, are portrayed in today's society. The reporters highlight that many people in modern society are quick to judge others and fall back on a stereotypical narrative to justify their feelings. While society has certainly progressed, the recent headlines show that issues with race and racial profiling still exist today. While this skit offers no solution to the problem, I think it is a comical way to reflect on and analyze some of the issues that are prevalent in Light in August and current events.
I think Key and Peele do an amazing job at taking a light heartedness to serious issues and making them funny, while nonetheless illuminating some of the issues at hand. I really like that they always seem to see how far they can go to push their limits. Another good tie into the racial themes in "Light In August".
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really great example of what Faulkner was hinting at through Light in August. It also really exemplifies society's view of racial profiling and in fact how little it has changed since those times. I found it interesting how the white reporters even called out the racial profiling while talking about the cheerfulness of christmas songs yet remained completely oblivious to the problem. The video demonstrates how although hugely exaggerated, these dramatizations can emphasize a much more power message.
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