A post I made on Reddit. I hope it gets some attention, because I think it's important.
With all the buzz from the rally, I have a question: does Jon Stewart the comedian conflict with Stewart the activist?
I've been having an argument with someone who's not a Jon Stewart fan or a fan of rally, about its purpose, significance, and political leaning. Beyond Yusuf and other things, one specific point that strikes true is Stewart's divided position in all this.
Stewart's statement at the end of the rally was heartfelt and a sentiment I feel many in the US share. Politics is divided, derisive, and distracting. Enough attack ads and hackery; stick to the important issues. Do it civilly. Do it for America, not for reelection.
But Stewart actively subverts this end with his show, to some extent. He made an excellent point in Crossfire[1] about the show's flaws, but so did the host critique The Daily Show. In essence, the argument was that important news shows on politics do not do their job of enlightening viewers to facts and politicians' positions on issues. The host countered with the same accusation towards The Daily Show. "Puppets making crank phone calls" and "comedy show" can't hold water forever, and especially not with increased activity on the activism front.
Stewart can't simultaneously pander to politicians on his show and "Fuck you"[2] everyone while keeping a straight face in that speech, can he? Even if it's comedy... Maybe the Obama interview was better, less pandery, though.[3]
I love this man, I really do, but there's a disconnect here. Is The Daily Show subverting John Stewart's pleas for political understanding?
Important links:
[1] Jon Stewart on Crossfire + Quotes from interview with John Kerry
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