Shane Gillis is facing a daunting task as he prepares to host “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). Asian advocacy group representatives believe it’s not too late for him to make amends for his past racist remarks. Although Gillis was fired from the show in 2019 for making offensive jokes aimed at Asians, some Asian-American organizations are open to reconciling with him.
Background:
Gillis’s controversial comments were made during a 2018 podcast, where he used derogatory language to refer to Asians while discussing Chinatown. Many individuals remain outraged by his jokes. However, there is now an opportunity for Gillis to make things right.
Asian-American Federation’s Perspective:
Jo-Ann Yoo, the executive director of the Asian American Federation, views Gillis’s selection as host as unfortunate timing. She believes that the Asian community has already experienced enough hate during the COVID-19 pandemic and doesn’t need to be reminded of the type of rhetoric that perpetuated this trend.
Yoo’s Invitation to Gillis:
Despite the reservations, Yoo extends an invitation to Gillis to contribute to the organization’s Hope Against Hate campaign. By making a donation and participating in their food tours, Gillis can engage in a genuine Asian cuisine experience while supporting a worthy cause. Yoo admits she will be tuning in to watch Bowen Yang, the first Asian-American cast member on ‘SNL,’ rather than Gillis himself.
The Asian American Foundation’s Stance:
Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation, hopes that Gillis has learned from his past experiences. He emphasizes the importance of Gillis issuing a genuine apology on SNL. Chen states that Asian Americans should not be the subjects of jokes, as these jokes can have severe real-world consequences for the community.
Gillis’s Previous Apology:
Gillis previously apologized on social media following his firing. In his statement, he acknowledged that he is a comedian who pushes boundaries and sometimes misses. He expressed a willingness to apologize to anyone genuinely offended by his words. However, Chen notes that this apology seems to have been removed from Gillis’s social media accounts, leaving doubts about its sincerity.
The Need for Redemption:
Both Asian-American organizations eagerly await Gillis’s opening monologue and any skits he may do with Bowen. This stage provides him with an opportunity to reaffirm his apology and commitment to change, offering redemption for his past actions.
The future of Shane Gillis hosting SNL hangs in the balance as Asian-American organizations call for him to apologize sincerely and make amends for his offensive remarks. Gillis has an opportunity to demonstrate growth and understanding by supporting Asian-American causes and acknowledging the importance of respect and sensitivity towards different communities. All eyes will be on him as he takes the stage, hoping to rewrite his narrative and pave the way for a more inclusive and tolerant future in the comedy industry.
