“An informed racist is a better racist” – Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani, you must have heard of him by now. The Pakistani American comedian is making waves on international soil these days, with his recent critically acclaimed film ‘The Big Sick’ bringing forth a new light on Pakistanis living abroad. He’s been a strong advocate of the rise in Islamaphobia in the west, along with other actors of South Asian descent like fellow Muslim Aziz Ansari.
The actor appeared on famous American show, ‘Saturday Night Live’ as an opening guest for last night’s episode to playfully discuss racism
The actor engaged the live audience by poking fun at certain stereotypes that are often hurled towards Muslims, discussed Twitter trolls, how Sikhs are often misconstrued as Muslims, all the while in a delightfully comical manner.
He revealed about how he was the second person from his family to leave Pakistan and comically talked about how he married a “White American woman”
Tearing down unfortunate misconceptions, Kumail mentioned how people would try and abuse him by telling him to “go back to India,” to which he responded, “I’ve never been to India.”
He stated how Islamophobia is unfortunately on the rise and said how “it never really went away, but it’s really having a moment right now”
He ended the crisp monologue about the importance of being an “informed racist;” by closing it with “For example, if someone yells at me “Go back to India” that guy is an idiot. But if someone is like “Go back to Pakistan, which was part of India until 1947 and is now home to the world’s largest salt mine,” then I’d pack my bags.”
His witty speech was applauded by many
Kumail Nanjiani is destroying Islamphobia right now… he’s the new leader of the free world. #SNL
— Kamala Harris 2020 (@2020_kamala) October 15, 2017
What an amazing fucking job @kumailn did hosting SNL! Congrats! https://t.co/p0BbDxnY1k
— chantal claret (@chantalclaret) October 15, 2017
And was also praised for Kumail’s humorous take on such a dark topic
Oh, @kumailn, I love you. Hilarious opening monologue for @nbcsnl!
— Bonnie Gillespie (@bonniegillespie) October 15, 2017
A few plucked out their favorite lines from the monologue
“Just because you’re racist doesn’t mean you need to be ignorant. An informed racist is a better racist!” -Kumail Nanjiani #SNL
— Maestro Black (@BKBlack28) October 15, 2017
Kumail Nanjiani on racists:
"Do the research…an informed racist is a better racist."???#SaturdayNightLive #SNL pic.twitter.com/slYOsZJ8Oo— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) October 15, 2017
Fans poured their adoration for the actor, who has become a vocal chord in a proliferating racist time
"Here's my problem with most racism…it's the inaccuracy." Kumail Nanjiani, I've been waiting for you all week. #SNL pic.twitter.com/bJXhylFenP
— Olivia Truffaut-Wong (@iWatchiAm) October 15, 2017
.@kumailn Is crushing his @nbcsnl monologue.
— Derek E. Baird (@derekeb) October 15, 2017
Watch the monologue now
What are your thoughts on Kumail’s speech?