On the latest episode of 'Saturday Night Live,' cast members tackled a hot news topic by portraying concerned parents of New York City college students involved in recent protests. Hosted by Dua Lipa, the episode featured a cold open where Michael Longfellow played a talk show host discussing the worrisome situation on university campuses with parents played by Heidi Gardner, Mikey Day, and Kenan Thompson.
Gardner and Day's characters expressed concerns about their children participating in protests related to Israel's conflict with Hamas, while Thompson's character voiced support for young people using their voices to fight for their beliefs. However, when asked about his daughter, a Columbia student, Thompson comically denied her involvement and emphasized the importance of her education over activism.
The skit humorously highlighted the tension between supporting student protests and parental expectations for academic success. The scene resonated with real-life events as protests erupted at Columbia University and The City College of New York, resulting in numerous arrests. At Columbia, 112 individuals were arrested, with nearly 30% not affiliated with the university. Similarly, at The City College of New York, 60% of the 170 arrested individuals were not connected to the college.
The skit and the actual protests shed light on the complexities of activism, education, and parental concerns in today's society. Through humor and satire, 'Saturday Night Live' provided a comedic take on a serious issue, sparking conversations about the role of students in social movements and the challenges faced by parents navigating their children's involvement in activism.
