Last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live featured a cold open that focused on nationwide campus protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Instead of portraying the protesters or the police response, the show began with a talk show called “Community Affairs,” where cast members played the parents of student protesters. The parents expressed support for their children’s right to protest but also voiced concerns about their safety and the impact on their relationships.
One character, played by Mikey Day, expressed fear about his son’s involvement in the protests becoming more aggressive. Kenan Thompson’s character, the father of a Columbia University student, supported the pro-Palestinian protesters and praised young people for fighting for what they believe in. However, he also made it clear that his daughter better be in class instead of participating in the protests. The sketch humorously highlighted parental worries about the risks and consequences of getting involved in such activities.
Another character in the sketch, played by Heidi Gardner, showed concern about her daughter’s future after potentially getting arrested during the protests. The humor in the sketch came from the different reactions of the parents to their children’s activism, with some being supportive but cautious, while others were more focused on the practical consequences of their involvement. Overall, the sketch provided a comedic take on the complex dynamics of student activism and parental concerns.
One character in the sketch, played by Kenan Thompson, mentioned that his daughter was not taking part in the pro-Palestine protests because the family was affluent enough. He highlighted the idea that only privileged students with well-off parents can afford to join protests and risk arrest. The character mentioned that he had been working multiple jobs to pay for his daughter’s education and did not want her to get involved in anything that might jeopardize her future.
The sketch ended with Thompson’s character being told that his daughter’s graduation ceremony could be canceled because of the protests. He humorously expressed frustration at the idea, indicating that his efforts to pay for her education would go to waste if she did not walk at the ceremony. The sketch touched on themes of privilege, sacrifice, and the sometimes unpredictable consequences of activism. Overall, the cold open provided a satirical look at the challenges and tensions surrounding student protests and parental expectations.
