Actor and comedian Rob Schneider was asked by a fan online about avoiding politics and the former “Saturday Night Live” writer and cast member answered to explain why it’s so critically important to be vocal today.
“Rob I love you, I even have tickets to your show in a few [months]. BUT I come on Twitter to see you to get away from all the politics and stuff. Idk I know it’s freedom of speech but some of us need a break from depression and just need a laugh,” the fan wrote.
And while many Americans feel the same way, particularly when they settle in front of the TV for a sports event or the like, there’s a bit of irony involved in suggesting as much on a social media platform that truly serves as the modern-day public square — just ask Elon Musk.
Either way, Schneider felt the fan deserved a response and offered one… and just happened to inspire a legion of other social media users in the process.
“Hi Vaughn, I make my living as an actor & comedian,” he replied. “I love my job but I love people and my country and freedom of expression even more. I believe, in every way possible, each of us should be examples to others of standing up for what you believe in the face of authoritarianism.”
Hi Vaughn,
I make my living as an actor & comedian. I love my job but I love people and my country and freedom of expression even more.
I believe, in every way possible, each of us should be examples to others of standing up for what you believe in the face of authoritarianism. https://t.co/FD4HqDHT3G— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) December 17, 2022
But he wasn’t content with that offering alone, as Schneider proceeded to deliver a spot-on harangue explaining what’s at risk and why speaking out is so important.
“I believe we in western civilization have departed from ‘The Age of Reason,’ and are now falling into ‘The Age of Emotion.’ We are in the process of trading critical thinking and logic for the excesses of ‘how one feels.’ Rational people are the new heretics who dare question it,” he wrote.
“This ‘Age of Emotions’ has it’s belief systems and superstitions that act as a religion,” Schneider continued. “You are not allowed to question any part of it or you are excommunicated. At the same time the world is experiencing democracy fatigue. Which opens the door to totalitarianism.”
This “Age of Emotions” has it’s belief systems and superstitions that act as a religion. You are not allowed to question any part of it or you are excommunicated. At the same time the world is experiencing democracy fatigue. Which opens the door to totalitarianism.
— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) December 17, 2022
“And now with the help of big tech, government has at its disposal new enormous powers to control narratives & crush any dissent & to destroy people who resist or fight back,” the comedian said. “Crisis after crisis will continue to be used to eliminate individual liberties #SayNoToDigitalCurrencies.”
He ended on a positive note: “As the joke goes… ‘Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the performance?’ Keep the faith! This is all happening just to test us individually and as a group. Stay sane and love all the people!”
As the joke goes…
“Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the performance?”
Keep the faith!
This is all happening just to test us individually and as a group.
Stay sane and love all the people!— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) December 17, 2022
As for the threat of authoritarianism, there are a growing number of Americans who fully welcome government control as seen here:
If the FBI is reading my tweets, good. If I express threats on here, they absolutely should arrest me.
They are federal law enforcement protecting US & PROTECTING THIS NATION. They are highly-trained. I’m so tired of this warped individualism that’s ruining our nation. 1/3— Kartik Krishnaiyer (@kkfla737) December 18, 2022
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed the inner totalitarian in many Americans and getting that genie back in the bottle is proving to be a tall task.
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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