During a recent episode of “Real Time,” host Bill Maher engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with singer Chappel Roan regarding the complexities of the situation in Gaza and the actions of Hamas. This exchange aired on Saturday night, highlighting differing perspectives on critical global issues.
Chappel Roan, who boasts over 3 billion streams on Spotify, expressed her decision to decline an invitation to the White House’s Pride celebration as a form of protest against America’s foreign policies. She summarized her stance by advocating for “liberty, justice, and freedom for all… for all oppressed people in occupied territories.”
In response, Maher acknowledged Roan’s nuanced approach to political discourse, where she weighs the left’s policies alongside those of the right. However, he cautioned, “Getting all your history from TikTok is like getting all your calories from [the snack food brand] Hostess.”
He emphasized that while it is commendable to feel empathy for the casualties in Gaza, it is equally vital to recognize the magnitude of the violence that occurred on October 7, particularly the suffering of Jewish individuals. Maher pointed out, “Doesn’t the sight of so many young women raped at a music festival make it a little personal? My guess is that Gen-Z hearts are hardened by the propaganda you see on TikTok, which likes to call the Jews colonizers.”
The Jewish Homeland
Maher further asserted the historical context of Israel, stating, “It’s ridiculous to call Jews colonizers in Israel. Israel is the Jewish homeland, and Jews have always lived there.” He briefly outlined the United Nations’ 1947 partition plan that aimed to create both an Arab state and a Jewish state. He noted that while the Jewish side accepted this plan, “The Arabs had a slightly different proposal. They said, ‘How ’bout we keep it all and wipe you out?’”
In a stark contrast to Roan’s artistic expression, Maher remarked that some of her lyrics would not be well-received in Gaza, quipping, “That wouldn’t fly in Gaza. Although you would, straight off a roof.” He concluded his commentary by stating, “You’re a singer, and you’re advocating for a place and a culture you would never want to live under. Gender may not be binary, but right and wrong is.”
Bill Maher has been recognized for his willingness to challenge the U.S. left’s stance on groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, particularly in the context of recent campus protests. He has also drawn attention to the support that progressive movements sometimes lend to the Islamic Republic of Iran, which funds these groups.
In the past, Maher has called on U.S. leftists to protest against gender apartheid in countries such as Iran and Afghanistan, stating, “Hundreds of millions of women are treated worse than second-class citizens. When you mandate that one category of human beings don’t even have the right to show their face, that’s apartheid. And it goes on in a lot of countries.”
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