Tom Hanks Sparks Outrage Among Trump Supporters with SNL Performance
Well, well, well! Looks like Tom Hanks is stirring the pot again, and this time it’s his latest gig on *Saturday Night Live* that has Trump supporters seeing red. Hanks took to the SNL stage to portray a character that many described as a “racist Trump supporter” who, in a cringe-worthy scene, refused to shake hands with someone of a different skin color. Talk about making a statement! While this satirical portrayal aimed to critique divisive attitudes, the backlash has been pretty intense, with many people calling Hanks out on social media, branding him “shameful.”
Now, let’s set the scene. This sketch didn’t just pop out of nowhere; it taps into a broader cultural conversation happening across American society. According to a 2022 survey from Pew Research Center, a significant percentage of the U.S. population believes that racial division has worsened in recent years, and political affiliations have only complicated these discussions. Hanks, known for his typically wholesome roles, is now thrust into the fire for tackled a topic that hits home for many.
Twitter hasn’t held back, with users slamming Hanks for what they view as a disrespectful portrayal of a certain segment of the population. One user tweeted, “Thought SNL was supposed to be funny!” highlighting how satire can rub people the wrong way when it steps into their ideological territory. It’s a classic case of comedians walking that tightrope of humor and political commentary.
Hanks’ portrayal is a reminder of how comedy can act as a mirror to society, reflecting our more unsavory traits. It’s not the first time SNL has stirred controversy with its political sketches; previous seasons have seen public figures from both camps get roasted. But, with a legacy like Hanks’s—beloved and often seen as the “nice guy” of Hollywood—seeing him ruffle feathers is still kind of shocking.
What’s the takeaway here? Love him or hate him, Hanks is using his platform to spotlight problematic attitudes in America, but boy, is he ruffling some feathers while doing it! As SNL continues to create a space for political comedy, it’s clear that we are still wrestling with the complexities of race and politics in 2023—and that’s no laughing matter!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Pew Research Center, The Daily Beast, The Wrap
