A country divided is the post-election theme in every conversation I have and every social media post I see. Questions of how unity can be reached without empathy, compassion, sensitivity and open-mindedness for all Americans buzz among those depressed, disheartened and afraid of a Trump presidency. Excitement and reckoning fill the hearts and minds of those relieved and joyful about the President-elect. If there is one thing we can all enjoy together, it’s comedy, humor, jokes and funniness.
In the intimate circle of comics on television, coping through laughter, jokes and shared disbelief was just as important as any speeches given and articles written this week. They do their best to inflect humor and poignant topics to consider in their monologues. Some struggle to keep composure and others remove their emotions and share clear optimism for the future. Either way, comics had some profound messages for everyone to hear.1. When you are looking for the bright side with no hints of despair -- Conan O’Brien.
Conan finds it to be a strange day, but also reflects on how the election result isn't so new. It could be worse is his message. He commends democracy and the fact that we have the ability to even have elections! He quotes Winston Churchill and ends on the note of petting a really tall dachshund.
2. When you want to hear the seriousness from a comedian -- Chelsea Handler.
It’s tough for some women to laugh about the election when it could have reaffirmed the importance of inclusivity and representation in government, but instead reaffirmed that our country is still not ready for women to be equal to men. Chelsea takes on this subject matter and does a great job of showing where we are in history along with Sen. Barbara Boxer.
3. When you want to hear a British man ponder the U.S. and appreciate democracy -- James Corden.
With a smile on James' face, he reminds the audience what makes America a great place. He uses sarcasm and people's appreciation of stickers to remain light-hearted. He is frank and honest. He makes an effort to empower all people.
4. When you want to hear a nervous nelly -- Stephen Colbert.
Stephen seems to be jumpy and jittery. He is more negative than other comedians. In the end, he gets the audience involved in solidarity to say “YES” through asking questions that all Americans can agree on with passion. He gets everyone standing and cheering. He gets everyone to agree, which seems impossible.
5. When you want to hear from a Hillary supporter who is disappointed in herself (and other white women) -- Samantha Bee.
Samantha makes a plug for 2018 elections and for more women in government. It’s kind of a big deal how underrepresented most populations are in government. Her monologue might be too strong and too isolating for some, but she tries to make light of the situation since she is a die-hard Hillary supporter.
6. When you want to hear a South African dumbfounded by the election -- Trevor Noah.
Trevor starts out in shock. He’s going to the stages of grief. He is more negative and you can hear the audience “boo” every time they hear Trump. He is a serious critique but brightens up when discussing the legalization of marijuana. By the end, he knows a Trump presidency is real, but I think he is still getting to acceptance.
7. When you want to hear a story of Seth’s ups and downs while the election results came out -- Seth Meyers.
Through teary eyes, Seth looks forward to seeing a female president in the future. He shares his stages of grief that many people experienced as votes were counted. He calls for compassion and hope.
8. When you want to hear from the next generation -- Jimmy Kimmel.
Kids have mastered their impressions of him and expressed how they feel eloquently and of course, with plenty of cuteness!
9. When you want to know what SNL was thinking -- Dave Chappelle.
Dave Chappelle reacts as a black man, as a wealthy man, and of course, as a comedian. At the end, he takes a moment to be serious and closes with a story about his visit to the White House a few weeks ago and concludes that he will give Trump a chance and he hopes that Trump will do the same.
The jokes and hopefully the conversations of how we can be better Americans in the present and future will continue. In the face of reexamining our identity as individuals and as a country, we will grow and change. In the next four years, we will do so with courage, confidence, contemplation and creativity.
