The cold opening of Saturday Night Live featured a skit about the anti-Israel protests that have been taking place across the nation. Kenan Thompson played an Uber-driver father who appeared on a talk show discussing the protests with other college parents. While all the parents expressed support for the movement, Thompson made it clear that he did not want his daughter, Alexis Vanessa, to participate and waste the $68,000 annual tuition he paid for her education. He joked about finding her in a protest tent instead of her dorm room.
During the discussion on the talk show, the parents addressed the recent protests and arrests at Columbia University. Thompson explained to a confused Hunter College father that while he supported the movement, he was focused on supporting “ya’lls kids” and ensuring his daughter got her degree. Despite the apprehension about seeing their children arrested during protests, the parents seemed resigned to the fact that their kids might not have a traditional graduation ceremony due to disruptions caused by the protests.
The skit also touched on the raid on Columbia’s Hamilton Hall, which had been taken over by protesters for nearly 24 hours. The parents expressed concern about their children being arrested but also seemed accepting of the fact that their graduation ceremonies might be disrupted. However, Thompson was determined to see his daughter graduate and get his money’s worth from Columbia. He joked about attending the graduation ceremony and celebrating loudly, even if he had to wait until the end of the event.
Thompson’s character emphasized the sacrifices he made to pay for his daughter’s education, working multiple jobs like Uber driving, Uber Eats delivery, and selling goods out of his car. He humorously pointed out that his daughter studying African Studies was like saying she got a degree in being Black. The skit highlighted the tensions between supporting a cause and wanting the best for one’s children, showcasing the challenges faced by parents in the current political climate. Thompson’s portrayal of a blue-collar father trying to ensure his daughter’s success added a humorous twist to the serious topic of protests and activism on college campuses.
The skit reflected the ongoing debate about the role of protests and activism on college campuses, particularly in relation to issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By using humor to address a controversial topic, Saturday Night Live brought attention to the complexities of supporting a cause while also prioritizing personal goals and values. The skit highlighted the challenges faced by parents when their children become involved in activism and protests, illustrating the conflicting emotions and attitudes that can arise in such situations. Ultimately, the skit provided a satirical take on a serious issue, prompting viewers to consider the balance between supporting a cause and ensuring personal success and well-being.
