A Correspondence with Alison Weir
The following is a correspondence with Alison Weir, director of If Americans Knew, concerning an article she wrote today in reference to comments made by Jon Stewart of The Daily Show:
perception of any of the five of us viewing his show last night. Perhaps you can point
us to the many times that Stewart has been critical of Israel?
Ask Comedy Central. I would not claim to possess the answer to that specific,
statistical query. As a film critic, I don’t have time to watch TV so
religiously. However, occasionally I catch an episode of “The Daily Show” here
and there. Last night happened to be one of those nights.
That being said, given the context and the tone of Stewart and McCain’s banter,
I read Stewart’s observation as facetious in this particular instance. Whether
or not his show has elsewhere given equal time to criticisms of Palestinians is
irrelevant, in my opinion. But, it’s useful to note that his is a comedy show
and not a bona-fide news program.
Does it make sense to criticize the show for its conflations of fact when, in
fact, that is the primary device the show appears to use to parody the present
state of journalism?
Stewart’s technique often relies on deadpan humor. This is not to say he
doesn’t have a point of view, or that having a point of view is bad (Murrow had
it right… have an opinion, but defend it well). I don’t think you defend your
opinions particularly any better than Stewart, but then Stewart’s a comedian
with no political motive other than to expose the absurdity of politics.
Perhaps your organization might do better to explore the absurdity of war
instead of pointing the finger at the Israelis, the Palestinians, or Jon
Stewart, for that matter. Pointing fingers, regardless of their direction,
solves little.
Best,
Rubin Safaya, Editor
Cinemalogue.com
—
Dear Rubin,
Thank you for your quick reply.
1. I’m happy to learn that Stewart was being facetious. Sadly, this wasn’t the perception
of any of the five of us viewing his show last night. Perhaps you can point us to the
many times that Stewart has been critical of Israel?
Interestingly, when I spoke with his assistant this morning, she didn’t seem to share
your interpretation either.
2. As you probably noticed above, I discovered my mistake early this morning, and have
already contacted Comedy Central and The Daily Show and faxed them information about
Israeli torture. But thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Alison Weir Executive Director If Americans Knew www.ifamericansknew.org 310.441.8580
—– Original Message —– From: “Rubin Safaya” [rsafaya @cinemalogue.com]
To: [alisonweir @yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2005 11:04 AM
Subject: Re: Jon Stewart, Daily Show
Dear Alison:
Regarding Jon Stewart’s interview with Sen. John McCain, particularly Stewart’s
line about Israel:
1) Stewart was being facetious and ironic.
2) ABC does not produce or distribute “The Daily Show.” Comedy Central does.
Best,
Rubin Safaya, Editor
Cinemalogue.com
