Comments on: U.S. Speedskating’s Faux Sponsor?

By: Greg Fowler

Greg Fowler — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:36:33 +0000

I’m not missing the point that irony and satire are accepted forms of humour. I get that. But I don’t believe that’s a blanket permission for saying or doing anything without criticism. Calling Canadians cheaters is over the top, IMO. As for Jonathan Swift, I’ve only read Gulliver’s Travels (several decades ago), but I recall enjoying it thoroughly.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:12:31 +0000

Greg, you’ve totally missed the point. Like Mike says, Colbert is being ironic and satirical. All throughout his show he suggests the ludicrous. Think Jonathan Swift.

By: Mike Lynn

Mike Lynn — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:51:26 +0000

I understand your outrage at being called a cheater, and I certainly do not want to downplay the seriousness of such an accusation made in earnest. But I doubt that many people in the world think of Canadians, on the whole, as cheaters. Everybody likes us! And I think that it is that incongruity on which the joke is founded. In fact, such an ‘insult’ is actually sort of a compliment, since the thought of us as cheaters is supposed to provoke laughter, not nods of agreement.

By: Greg Fowler

Greg Fowler — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:41:01 +0000

I don’t think it’s misguided to feel offended when somebody calls Canadians “cheaters.” And you can call it irony, but I don’t think there’s any humour in it.

By: Mike Lynn

Mike Lynn — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:25:32 +0000

This post makes it sound like you are not aware that Stephen Colbert is being ironic. He is playing a role that he was popular for playing on the Daily Show with John Stewart before Comedy Central decided to spin off a show based on his right wing act. He is sending up such right wing gasbags as Bill O’Reilly and Rush Limbaugh. As a result, his comments about Canada are not to be taken seriously. I would also doubt that his sponsorship of the US speed skating team was in earnest, but I did not see the show in question. Nevertheless, it is kind of a good thing that he is trying to build up support for the US speed skating team, and the fact that the show will be encouraging donations is at least better than nothing. I agree that it is a shame that Canadian talent does not get much attention on our airwaves, but I think your anger directed at the Colbert Report is misguided.