All weekend my Twitter feed has been flooded with chatter about the now-infamous comedy routine that was performed at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Each year, I look forward to watching the recap clips because they usually feature hilarious jokes and light-hearted ribbing. With the political climate being super divisive, I expected a few hurt feelings this year. However, upon going over footage from the dinner, I can’t help but label the event a Dumpster fire.
The cringe factor was high while watching event replays. As liberals foamed at the mouth on social media pointing out the offended conservatives, those of us with a modicum of decency understood why outrage was running rampant. The embarrassing monologue was delivered by someone named Michelle Wolf, who I am not familiar with. She took shots at virtually anyone connected to the Trump administration and conservative media. It was like watching a train wreck, and I was powerless to look away. Her jokes ranged from mild jabs to nasty insults. While I’ll admit I chuckled a couple times, it was mostly uncomfortable to watch.
Michelle Wolf took the stage like she was opening for Def Comedy Jam. She definitely had the wrong audience with her crass jokes. She celebrated abortion and made jokes about the deadly Southwest jet that claimed the life of a woman who was partially sucked out of the window when an engine blew up. As cameras panned across the audience, it was clear that the level of discomfort was through the roof. Many were visibly uncomfortable and shocked. My tolerance of “locker room talk” can reach pearl-clutching levels, but I can’t imagine standing as a professional in front of those I admire and delivering a highly inappropriate monologue.
In addition to her poor joke delivery, Michelle Wolf read from her card of profanity-laced hot garbage seemingly oblivious to the fact that she stumbled through her own comedy routine. While I appreciate a good roast, the seething attack on Sarah Huckabee Sanders was completely uncalled for. The spirit of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is to recognize journalism while providing a welcoming atmosphere for the exchange of ideas and tolerance. This wasn’t that. Reversing this situation to have a random comedian no one has ever heard of attack Democratic individuals would have drawn so much ire, the word “problematic” would be on our Twitter feeds for a month.
However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the hypocrisy of the offended. I have seen many outraged over the attack on Sarah Huckabee Sanders regarding her looks. Many of these same people are fine with pundits making statements about feminists being “ugly” or “manly.” This is the mean-spirited society Americans have grown accustomed to. We cannot condone one side of the political aisle making derogatory statements about women while condemning the other. We have to come together and let our own know when they’re wrong. Whoever booked Michelle Wolf owes America an apology. If not for offending conservative people, then for giving us a corny monologue.
