Barack Obama being elected is a historic moment. One way to realize just how historic is through comedy. OK, we don't actually need to realize how historic this moment is. But it is interesting to look at how the idea of a Black President was viewed in the past.
First up, this Richard Pryor sketch where he plays the leader of the free world. It's a little long, and it was the 70's, so some of the humor is a little dopey and dated. For example, there's a moment towards the end when a reporter asks about his mother. Pryor as President responds, "What did you just ask me?" The reporter says, "I’m talking about your momma!" Etc. Here's the video:
Richard Pryor, 1st Black President
This is much more interesting. Remember Eddie Murphy's
Delirious? Easily one of the funniest comedy albums/tv specials of all time. Eddie had some things to say about African-American politicians, in particular Jesse Jackson running for President. Here's the video, which is riddled with four-letter words and is NOT safe for work or children (unless you decide it is):
Eddie Murphy on the First Black President
That was 1983. Looong time ago. I'd love to call Eddie Murphy and ask him if what he thinks of this election. Sadly, Eddie's not talking to me right now.
Last (this is in chronological order), here is a Chris Rock bit about a Black VICE president from Saturday Night Live. Chris said (this was many years ago, as you can tell by his unfortunate hairdo) that the country would never have a Black Vice-President. So far, he's right. As for the notion that we'd never have a Black President? Luckily, everybody was wrong about that one. (If the clip won't play,
click here.)
Chris Rock, first Black Vice President
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