New York City, New York – In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, the show addressed the ongoing anti-Israel protests happening across the country. The cold open featured Kenan Thompson portraying an Uber-driver father, who expressed his disapproval of his daughter participating in the protests, emphasizing the importance of her education over activism.
During the NY1 “Community Affairs” talk show segment on SNL, Thompson’s character shared his thoughts alongside two other college parents. While they all voiced their general support for the movement, Thompson made it clear that he prioritized his daughter’s academic pursuits and would not tolerate her involvement in the demonstrations.
The humorous skit highlighted the tension between parental expectations and youthful activism, with Thompson’s character comically asserting that his daughter, Alexis Vanessa, would be focusing on her studies and not engaging in protests that might jeopardize her education. The dialogue showcased the clash between parental sacrifices for tuition fees and the desire for their children to take part in social movements.
As the discussion on the protests unfolded, Thompson’s character humorously detailed the various odd jobs he worked to pay for his daughter’s tuition, underscoring his commitment to ensuring she graduates from Columbia University. Despite acknowledging the validity of the protests, he remained steadfast in his belief that his daughter’s academic success came first.
The skit also referenced a recent incident at Columbia University, where protestors had barricaded students inside a university building for nearly 24 hours. The portrayal of parental concerns over the safety of their children amidst the protests added another layer of humor to the segment, highlighting the complexities of balancing activism with parental responsibilities.
Ultimately, the SNL skit effectively captured the dilemmas faced by parents of college students caught up in social movements, offering a satirical take on the clash between academic ambitions and the desire for social change. The humorous portrayal of parental concerns and priorities resonated with audiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by families navigating the complexities of activism and education.