UPDATE: In a striking conversation on October 26, 2023, former ‘Full Frontal’ host Samantha Bee declared that civility is “worthless” in political discourse during a podcast with Stacey Abrams, emphasizing the urgent need for more vocal resistance against perceived authoritarianism.
Bee’s comments came during their discussion on Abrams’ podcast, ‘Assembly Required,’ where they dissected the role of political comedy under the current administration. “Civility is overrated,” Bee asserted, arguing that it serves as a form of self-compromise when those in power refuse to yield anything in negotiations.
The podcast episode highlights a critical moment in political comedy as Bee expressed her concerns about the current landscape for late-night hosts. She pointed to the challenges faced by comedians like Stephen Colbert, whose show suffered significant viewer losses, and Jimmy Kimmel, who faced a brief suspension.
Bee stated: “If you’re compromising everything and the people with the power are giving up nothing, civility feels quite worthless.” She further explained that sometimes, there is a need to “stand up and scream,” regardless of whether it influences political outcomes.
Echoing sentiments from Roxane Gay, who recently criticized the expectation of politeness from the left, Bee reinforced the notion that when “people’s rights and lives are on the line,” civility should not be prioritized. Bee emphasized this urgency, arguing that wealthy individuals must leverage their resources to speak out against injustices, stating, “What is the point of having like f— you money if you never say ‘f— you’ with your money?”
The conversation comes at a time when the political climate in the U.S. has prompted many comedians to reevaluate their roles in activism and commentary. With Bee’s show ending in 2022, she remains a vocal critic of the current administration, continuing to push the boundaries of political comedy.
This episode of ‘Assembly Required’ has sparked discussions across social media, as audiences engage with Bee’s provocative stance on civility and its implications for political engagement. As tensions rise and the political landscape evolves, Bee’s call for a more direct approach resonates with many seeking change.
As developments unfold, audiences are encouraged to tune into the full podcast for a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies within political comedy today.
