'SNL' Obama Skit: Why isn't Barack Obama black yet?

October 5, 8:56 PMBoston TV ExaminerMichael Langston Moore

Previous Next

8 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Boston TV Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

On SNL's Obama skit, why isn't the president black? (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

While host Ryan Reynolds and musical guest Lady Gaga made headlines this weekend on Saturday Night Live, another issue was glaringly evident that no contrast adjustment to one's TV could fix--Barack Obama is still not black on SNL.

In an Obama skit that featured Fred Armisen portraying the leader of the Free World, I wondered how long it'll take SNL show-runners to cast an African-American capable of playing the commander-in-chief.

During the 2008 campaign, comedy writers bemoaned the idea of making fun of Obama, stating the future president just "wasn't funny."  He didn't stumble over his words like George W. Bush, nor was he entrenched in a Bill Clinton or David Letterman-like sex scandal.

But, a year later, a bigger question looms--how can a Barack Obama impersonator be funny if he doesn't look like Barack Obama?

Sure, Fred Armisen can wear an Obama wig and suit well, but when did the president get three shades lighter?

Lorne Michaels, creator and producer of Saturday Night Live, must be questioned. His decision making is certainly odd--Michaela Watkins' dismissal after just one season remains perplexing.  But on a comedy staple such as SNL--which features no black female comedienne and just one black male cast member--Saturday Night Live cannot even properly lampoon the president and his wife without stooping to watered down blackface.

Some may not care, while others may shrug their shoulders.  But SNL makes its name in political comedy. Phil Hartman and Darrell Hammond's Bill Clinton impersonations were classics.  Dana Carvey was able to portray both Ross Perot and George Bush to perfection.  And Tina Fey won an Emmy for her depiction of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

Poking fun at politics is SNL's bread and butter.  Just as you wouldn't force Andy Samberg to portray Al Sharpton or Bill Cosby, the lack of melanin in Armisen's skin is a hindrance to making his version of Barack Obama funny.

Watch the Obama SNL skit below.

Catch the BOSTON TV EXAMINER on Twitter: @MLM_Examiner 

OTHER TV NEWS:
The White House calls out Glenn Beck, says Fox News spreads 'lies' (Video)

Kate Gosselin on 'Today': Jon took $230,000 from our bank account (Video)

'Real Housewives' Kandi Burruss' Ex-Fiance, A.J. Jewell, Killed

Glenn Beck refuses to define 'white culture' in Katie Couric interview (Video)