Comedian Sarah Silverman Laments Hollywood Outrage Culture: 'It’s So Odd. It’s a Perversion'
In this era in which political “correctness” and outrage culture have been pushed to unforeseen heights, liberal comic Sarah Silverman is another public figure being called out for something from her past.
And she doesn’t like the feeling.
As part of her eponymous show in 2007, Silverman wore blackface during one scene, she said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
That regrettable choice cost her a role in a film, Silverman told host Bill Simmons, because “the night before, they fired me because they saw a picture of me in blackface from that episode. I didn’t fight it.”
They delve into the subject around the 9-minute mark of the podcast interview. You can listen to it here:
When Simmons asked about “canceled culture” and how certain aspects of society and entertainment are now frowned upon, Silverman replied, “I think it’s really scary and a very odd thing that’s invaded the left primarily.”
She went on to refer to cancel culture as “righteousness porn.”
“It’s like if you’re not on board, if you say the wrong thing, if you had a tweet once,” Silverman said. “Everyone is, like, throwing the first stone. It’s so odd. It’s a perversion.”
It’s curious that Silverman didn’t let her feelings be known until the subject directly impacted her career. At least one Twitter user empathized, downplaying concerns that the comedian is racist.
Hindsight being 20/20 it was a bad idea, fair enough. But does anyone in the whole world believe @SarahKSilverman is racist? Anyone think she hates black people? I really don’t think she is a racist.
Cancel culture is a bad thing for our society. https://t.co/L83gxOy8EJ
— Phil (@philthatremains) August 12, 2019
If it’s any consolation, Silverman isn’t the first public figure to be shamed for sporting blackface years ago.
In fact, she could perhaps use Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam as inspiration. Despite initial outrage from both sides of the political aisle when it was revealed that Northam allegedly appeared in a 1984 yearbook photo while wearing blackface, nothing substantial has come of his scandal.
When you’re a Democrat, as is the case with Northam, hypocrisy is the acceptable standard. If a Republican or conservative had worn blackface, it would be tantamount to the end of the world in leftists’ eyes.
Silverman is no stranger to off-stage controversy, particularly when sticking her nose into politics.
Back in February, after Silverman profanely attacked President Donald Trump on Twitter, former NBC talk-show host Megyn Kelly pointed out that the entertainer, known in part for vulgarity, had co-starred in Disney’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” The comedian replied by changing the subject to Trump’s stance on climate change and illegal immigration.
Ps I’m more offended by a president who denies a real threat 97% of scientists beg him to take action on while creating a fake threat out of at-risk brown people at the border https://t.co/moi7uEBpbc
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) February 12, 2019
Months later, Silverman is weighing in on culture and society again, but this time her purpose is different. Will more Hollywood liberals follow suit and come around, softening and minimizing their faux outrage?
That’s a long shot. But after being called out for wearing blackface a dozen years ago, Silverman for one is expressing her dislike for the “cancel culture” approach that is erasing much of our nation’s past. For once, she and I agree on something.
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