Did you catch Saturday Night Live (SNL) a few weeks ago? Well, apparently there was a skit on there that cause some debate and controversy. It was a skit depicting New York governor David Patterson. You can see that right here:

Now, the question is…bad taste or just good comedy? I saw this clip and, personally, can see if from both ends. As a cultural theorist, I deal with the good the bad and the ugly of pop culture and American societal trends. I can see both arguments and see where both sides are coming from.

From the argument that it is bad taste, we see SNL attempting to make fun of someone who is disabled, in this case a man who is blind. We also can see SNL poking fun at Patterson’s past drug problems and obvious issues with New Jersey. From this point of view, there are certain cultural taboos and this is one of them. SNL should have left this alone and gone for something a bit more tasteful.

From the good comedy perspective, we can simply say, “Hey, if you don’t like it, turn the channel.” Alternatively, “Everyone is on the chopping block. Patterson’s physical disability is not out of bounds.” This view can also say that when SNL parodied Stevie Wonder, with Eddy Murphy, no one seemed to have that much of a problem. Moreover, SNL tends to poke fun at those in positions of power and fame—why limit it to able-bodied individuals. In fact, why limit SNL’s comedy; let’s just put it out there. SNL is no stranger to political humor or controversy. No one seemed to care when SNL poked fun at George Bush’s ignorance, John McCain’s “Oldness,” Sarah Palin’s ineptness, and Bill Clinton’s “Southern lack of knowledge.” Its just comedy, “get over it.”

Right?

Well, lets get conversant and see what you all think!! It’s the holiday season right? I’m curious to see.