Why Tina Fey’s Sheet-Caking Routine Is Making a Lot of People Really Upset
SNL’s Weekend Update: Summer Edition has been breaking ground in terms of how fans of the show’s classic news segment get their fix. But today, a new segment featuring Tina Fey is at the center of major online controversy.
The former WE host joined hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che to talk about her alma mater, the University of Virginia, and the violence that happened in Charlottesville this past weekend. In the sketch, Fey detailed what she thinks is the best way to stop white supremacists with a modern take on Marie Antoinette’s infamous “Let them eat cake.”
The joke hinges on Fey’s insistence that people stay away from the protests, and eat our feelings instead. While some fans are applauding the sketch, many are unhappy that it implies Fey is ignoring the problem, since it erases the real effects that Black and non-white folks have to deal with when it comes to racism.
“Sheetcaking is a grassroots movement, Colin,” Fey quips about her “stay home and eat cake” attitude. While it can play out as satirical, the idea that people should simply stay at home during moments of political tension can be quite damaging to the non-white people, LGBTQ+ folks, and Black folks who are directly affected by targeted racism from hate groups. It’s also potentially offensive to allies like Heather Heyer, who was killed when a white supremacist drove his car into a group of peaceful protesters during the Charlottesville protests.
People on Twitter have taken note:
Stay safe inside. Don't go honor the life of an innocent person killed in the name of white supremacy. Stay silent. Safe. Thanks Tina Fey 👍🏾
— wikipedia brown (@eveewing) August 18, 2017
I tried to watch the Tina Fey skit. I turned it off when she wanted Nazis to come to NY to get beaten up by drag queens aka 6'4 black men.
— Anindita B Sempere (@anindita) August 18, 2017
Be visible. Be vocal. Be LOUD. Actively #ResistHate. Support black people, natives & POC. THEN eat Tina Fey's sheetcake.
— Meg ✨ (@sassylibrarian1) August 18, 2017
tina fey's plan for dealing with nazis is to be rich and white and let black queers put their lives on the line instead. just incredible.
— Commodore Sex Act (@mycoolaugustine) August 18, 2017
Regardless of whether you loved or hated Fey’s missive on SNL, the reaction from fans definitely speaks volumes about different people’s experiences growing up, and how important it is to listen to other’s points of view while putting our feelings aside.
Hooh boy, the stark difference of opinion on Tina Fey from white people and PoC right now speaks volumes about perspective and experience
— Siddhant Adlakha (@SidizenKane) August 18, 2017
While it’s quite easy for celebs to take a public stand, sometimes they can miss the mark and it looks as if “sheetcaking” isn’t going to get the reaction that Fey was hoping for.
Did you love or loathe Tina Fey’s take on SNL? Tell us @BritandCo!
(Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)
