Comedian Michael Ian Black took to Twitter on Wednesday to sarcastically take down anti-Muslim rhetoric from Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Black roasted the GOP candidates for unconstitutional double standards that apply liberty for all — except for Muslims. His take-down came one day after a terrorist attack in Brussels prompted Trump and Cruz to double down on rhetoric, including Cruz’s proposal to send American police to do special patrols targeting Muslim communities and Trump’s promotion of torture…. He also suggested the U.S. implement World War II-reminiscent policies of rounding people up — but in a jab at Trump, said it should be done “nicely.”
One of the beautiful things about comedy is the way it can provide a safe space for spotlighting an issue while simultaneously holding it up for some well-deserved ridicule. It can be a risky undertaking, but when handled with alacrity and grace, it can be devastatingly accurate portrayal of absurdity and danger.
I’ve always admired Michael Ian Black for his rapier wit and understated brilliance. When combined with his formidable irreverence and willingness to skewer sacred cows, his brand of comedy can be employed with devastating effect. In this case, by appropriating some of the positions taken by Donald Trump and Ted Cruz and adding an absurdist, tongue-in-cheek twist, he manages to hold both up to some decidedly appropriate ridicule.
It’s a tricky process, of course. Parody done well risks being confused with reality, and Black’s not-so-subtle jabs at Trump have been misinterpreted by some as being a genuine expression of support for the GOP’s presumptive nominee. The good news is that by upsetting people, he’s also made them think.
What I'm saying is, if there aren't Muslim neighborhoods now, we should round them up (nicely) and build some. https://t.co/S25eEZbmqa
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) March 23, 2016
NO! Ted Cruz and I want to just know where all Muslims are at all times, but in a fun way - like with an app. https://t.co/vWWhl9lrQV
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) March 23, 2016
The Sturm und Drang that follows every utterance of Trump and the Islamophobia of Cruz tends to merge into so much background noise over time. It can be difficult to take down someone who cares so little about being taken down. Fact-checking and calling someone out for their dishonesty and lack of integrity has meaning only if the target possesses any concern for being outed. The commitment Trump and Cruz have made to the truth extends only insofar as it can be manipulated and massaged to their advantage.
If you can’t beat them, holding them up to some thoughtful, well-deserved ridicule is probably the next best thing. Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are if nothing else easy targets. Their hypocritical ethnocentrism should be revealed and exposed. Michael Ian Black’s effort to do just that are commendable. Would that it wasn’t necessary, but such is the world we live in.
Sometimes it takes a comedian to help us see the truth.
