Stephen Colbert Spells Out Perfectly Why Racial Tension Keeps Erupting

Funny how a comedian can get it right.
|

As racial tension over police shootings dominated the headlines on Thursday, “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert offered his own take.

Referencing the state of emergency in Charlotte, North Carolina, after the fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, the comedian observed: “The shooting of African-Americans by police officers and the community outrage that follows seems to keep happening over and over again, no matter how many times we do nothing.”

“I just wish there were some kind of respectful, silent civil protest that people could engage in that wouldn’t enrage the other side,” he said later, as a photo of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick flashed onscreen. (Kaepernick has received death threats for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police shootings.) 

“Yeah, no, that’s not going to work, either.” Colbert said.

And of course, he eventually got down to ripping you-know-who. “In the face of continued heartbreaking racial strife, all eyes turn to civil rights icon, the Rev. Dr. Donald Trump.”

We’ll let Colbert take it from there.

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Protests Break Out In Charlotte After Police Shooting
(01 of21)
Open Image Modal
Police clash with demonstrators as residents and activists protest the police shooting death of Keith Scott. (credit:Brian Blanco via Getty Images)
(02 of21)
Open Image Modal
Police and demonstrators carry a seriously wounded individual into the parking area of the the Omni Hotel during a march to protest the death of Keith Scott. (credit:Brian Blanco via Getty Images)
(03 of21)
Open Image Modal
Protesters throw chairs at a restaurant during a demonstration against police brutality. (credit:NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images)
(04 of21)
Open Image Modal
A woman smears blood on a police riot shield in downtown Charlotte. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(05 of21)
Open Image Modal
Protesters block traffic on I-85. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(06 of21)
Open Image Modal
Protesters attend a demonstration against police brutality. (credit:NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images)
(07 of21)
Open Image Modal
A demonstrator comes face to face with law enforcement during protests. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(08 of21)
Open Image Modal
A protester chants during a demonstration against police brutality. (credit:NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images)
(09 of21)
Open Image Modal
Demonstrators argue amongst themselves during protests. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(10 of21)
Open Image Modal
A woman gestures as she participates in a protest at Marshall Park. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(11 of21)
Open Image Modal
Police officers face off with protesters on the I-85 during protests. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(12 of21)
Open Image Modal
A police officer in riot gear walks past a fire on the I-85 during protests. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(13 of21)
Open Image Modal
Protesters throw objects at police officers. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(14 of21)
Open Image Modal
Police officers hold their line. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(15 of21)
Open Image Modal
Protesters block traffic on the I-85 interstate. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(16 of21)
Open Image Modal
Police officers remove a man from his vehicle. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(17 of21)
Open Image Modal
A protester reacts to a sprayed deterrent while blocking traffic. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(18 of21)
Open Image Modal
Police officers take position at an onramp on I-85. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(19 of21)
Open Image Modal
Protesters block traffic on the I-85 interstate. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(20 of21)
Open Image Modal
Protesters gather on I-85 during protests. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)
(21 of21)
Open Image Modal
A police helicopter illuminates protesters blocking traffic. (credit:Sean Rayford via Getty Images)