I’m sincerely interested in what those who read this blog think of the recent SNL production based upon the revenge movies of Quentin Tarantino and starring Tarantino’s favorite Christopher Waltz. Is it good humor or blasphemy? I want to hear others’ opinions before I share my own.
I have been for some reason unsuccessful in embedding the clip here. So here is the link to the video on the NBC site.
That link was not working on Chrome or Safari for me (Firefox seems to work fine), and so if you are having trouble, you can view the clip here.
Warning: if you have NOT seen this and are bothered by Tarantino-style blood and gore you should not watch this!
Let me know what you think.
sethgreenwald
Much of humor is rooted in incongruity. When things aren’t what we expect, it strikes us as humorous. In this clip, the incongruity is the idea of Jesus seeking revenge. It is so far outside the realm of expectations, even for our culture as a whole. The idea of Jesus exhibiting violence is ludicrous, especially in our culture, where turn the other cheek is near the extent of common knowledge about Jesus.
The extreme nature of the violence is less about Jesus than it is about making fun of Tarantino. In reality, it is likely that the only reason the story of Jesus was chosen in the first place was the ability to add the ‘D’ to riff on Django. I have not seen Django Unchained, but I’d wager there is a scene where he states “The ‘D’ is silent”, thus the “The ‘H’ is silent” line.
Take a look at our faith, from a strictly factual perspective. If we are honest, it IS ridiculous. There is plenty to be found that is incongruous with common experience, at least on the surface. I embrace the humor surrounding my faith, simply because it strengthens the awe and wonder in my heart that stem from its truth. To me, I saw this clip on two planes, the humor around the faith, and the humor around Tarantino, so I could laugh.
The only thing that truly bothered me was the ‘quote’, stating “I never knew Jesus used the n-word that much”. I hate that word, regardless of how it is used, even when used by one black person talking to, or about, another. I am sure that this is inconsistent of me, but the idea of a vengeful Jesus struck me as funny, but a Jesus who uses racial slurs left a bitter taste in my mouth. The use of that word is nothing but a giant wedge, dividing us on lines that we are supposed to have crossed. None but a black person can use the word without outcry. So attributing it to the one who has overcome those lines is grating to me. Jesus was never racist. He crossed the dividing lines with boldness.
If we think on it, when we abandon the story of grace, we turn Jesus into the one portrayed in this clip.
Kedric
There were probably a few first century jewish zealots who would have gone for all that.
Stephanie
First century? I know some 21st century peeps who’d be up for it too. That said, I pretty much agree with Seth, particularly in his last line. Not to get all super-spiritual, but in my times of unbelief (often), I’m sort of waiting on Him to come do this to me.
Suzanne Santana
I find the SNL skit offensive to Christianity and it’s sad that we live in a society that is tolerant of portraying Jesus as violent or vengeful, let alone that we might find this type of entertainment humorous.
I remember only a few short months ago we were having riots across the world over someone making a video clip making fun of the Prophet Mohammed. This person was actually arrested right here in the U.S.
One thing is sure that those who believe in Mohammed would never be silent or tolerant of the mocking of their prophet, yet most so called “Christians” would not even address this topic. Let me say that I am definitely not a fan of rioting in the streets but I do think that we who claim him as our savior should not be so afraid to stand up for what we believe in.
The suggestion that Jesus used the n-word is offensive and I agree with Seth that these comments only keep us fighting a war that should have already been won.
I think there were humorous parts to the skit but personally thought it was tasteless and offensive. I’m sure there are those who secretly wish Jesus would come back and get revenge, however; I do not believe he would want to be portrayed as he was.
stacithomas
I completely agree with Seth. It was mocking Tarantino as opposed to mocking Jesus. Was it clever? I guess. Was it funny? Not really. Was it blasphemous? Not any more than when I treat Jesus like Santa Claus in my daily life.
Stephanie
But then again… I rarely find much on SNL funny these days. /snobbery