“The Daily Show” grappled with the contradictions in France’s stance on free speech Wednesday night, mocking the country for arresting a comedian days after a massive rally supporting free speech.
“C’est magnifique!” Jon Stewart said to footage of French President Francois Hollande declaring that free speech is a bedrock of French culture.
“The French position on free speech is the same as their position on mistresses—there can be no limits!” the host shouted.
But a news clip from Wednesday complicated things. French authorities arrested the comedian Dieudonné for writing a Facebook post expressing sympathy for one of the Paris gunmen, calling the comic an “apologist for terrorism.”
“Man, f—aw, I was gonna say ‘fuck that guy,’ but we were all there in the streets with the pencils and the free speech,” Stewart said, referring to the rally for free speech Sunday in the streets of Paris.
“Okay, don’t get me wrong, that is a despicable Facebook post that guy did,” he continued, “but isn’t that what the ‘Unfriend’ button is for?”
Ultimately, the comedian concluded that arresting someone for their views just days after calling free speech absolute looks pretty bad.
“You know, I’m beginning to think comedy isn’t France’s thing. It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he said. “You still have painting and kissing and food that’s hard on the outside but soft on the inside.”
“Just stay away from comedy, that’s our thing,” he concluded. “France, I feel your au bon pain.”
Watch the clip, courtesy of Comedy Central:
Bibi would never have showed up at the rally if it had really been about free speech. The protesters had one agenda and the world leaders present had their own. Looking more and more like the White House knew what they were doing staying away.
French law is not American law, Stewart.
that’s not the point…the hypocrisy of declaring free speech so important, then arresting someone who says something disagreeable is the point. it’s a good point too. that action basically laid bare where all this is heading.
As if that’s the point.
I think I can see the difference. It’s like the “Fire!” in a crowded movie house argument. Offering public support for a murder who just killed multiple citizens and declared himself to be at war with your country earns you the right to be detained.
Public endorsement of violence and killing is not the same as blasphemy as perceived by certain segments of society. I.e. “I mock your god, but don’t endorse killing you because of of your belief.”