SNL question:

[mac56]

Rachel Dratch as "Debbie Downer" - poking good-natured fun at overly-sensitive people? Or an unfair slam at those concerned about issues?

I've heard both arguments. Actually I thought it was hysterical, but the only one I saw was the Disney World sketch where they all cracked up.

[liberalhistorian]

1. I don't think it's an

unfair slam at those concerned about issues at all. I think it's "poking good-natured fun at overly-sensitive people." One of the chief complaints about libs/progressives is, indeed, how overly sensitive and depressing they are, and I believe that's very valid. It's important to be concerned about issues and to try to communicate that concern in an effort to get others involved, but it can be taken too far and I think that's what the skit's about. I think it's hilarious, frankly.

[Richardo]

2. I got in big trouble on DU last month comparing Debbie to Amy Goodman

...of Democracy Now. :scared:

Oops I did it again! :evilgrin:

[Ivan Sputnik]

3. Debbie

It's an interesting, goofy sketch that could be interpreted in a lot of different ways, I think. On one level, it's just about a woman with poor social skills who enjoys popping other people's balloons. But I think it's also satirizing both people who feel guilty about being happy "when there's so much suffering in the world" and self-involved people who want to ignore issues and always "keep it light."