Staff Reports
Saturday Night Live made waves by addressing the contentious issue of men competing against women in sports. Drawing inspiration from Netflix's "Untold Stories," a recent skit introduced characters Charna Lee Diamond and Ronnie Dunster engaged in a tennis match. Despite Diamond's comically sustained injuries, she resiliently insists on continuing the match to demonstrate that women can hold their own against men. However, the outcome is predictably unfavorable for her. While the skit refrains from direct mockery of transgender athletes, it subtly alludes to the concept, marking a daring move for SNL. Nevertheless, considering the show airs on NBC, it's expected that they tread carefully.
SNL ridiculed the idea of women competing against men in sports last night. pic.twitter.com/75vruZUMic
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) November 19, 2023
Against the backdrop of ongoing discussions spurred by figures like Megan Rapinoe advocating for equal pay in women's sports, this skit offers a comedic perspective on the matter. The question of whether a WNBA team can compete with an NBA team is humorously addressed, emphasizing the prevailing belief that men, especially at the elite athletic level, possess greater strength and physical prowess. Acknowledging this reality is not an affront to women; it's simply acknowledging an objective fact. Men's sports consistently attract larger audiences and generate more revenue, reflecting their perceived superiority.
While the SNL skit succeeds in delivering genuine humor, it's unlikely to signal a shift in the show's overall approach. Given the show's affiliation with a network known for its progressive stance, such moments of comedic boldness may remain sporadic. The influence of staunchly progressive individuals within the show's control is likely to ensure that such instances of comedic brilliance remain the exception rather than the rule. After all, maintaining a woke narrative may take precedence over widespread audience enjoyment.
