On Wednesday night’s episode of The Daily Show, host Jon Stewart addressed the terrorist attack on the Paris offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo that left 12 people dead, including eight journalists. Though the comedian is known for his own satirical spin on the news, Stewart was serious and straight-faced while discussing the attack.
“I know very few people go into comedy as an act of courage, mainly because it shouldn’t have to be that,” the comedian said. “It shouldn’t be an act of courage, it should be taken as established law. But those guys at Hebdo had it and they were killed for their cartoons.”
“A stark reminder that for the most part the legislators and journalists and institutions that we jab and ridicule are not in any way the enemy. For however frustrating or outraged the back and forth can become it’s still back and forth, a conversation amongst those on let’s call it ‘Team Civilization.’ And this type of violence only clarifies that reality.”
See Covers Published by Charlie Hebdo
In this cover, the newspaper called itself an irresponsible newspaper, and likening itself to a Neanderthal, claiming that the invention of humor is the process of adding fuel to the fire.Charlie Hebdo"The socialist party has chosen its maid." (François Hollande vacuums up Nicolas Sarkozy)Charlie Hebdo"Gay marriage is so last year!"
"Let's go for gay divorce now!"Charlie HebdoMitt Romney seen yelling, "For the White House, an actual white!" during the 2012 election in which he ran against President Barack Obama. To the right, French leaders Francois Fillon and Jean-Francois Copé hold a sign that says "no immigrants can vote."Charlie Hebdo"We don't have prostitutes any more. Thank god, we still have Miss France."Charlie HebdoOsama bin Laden in a late Elvis costume. "Bin Laden is alive!"Charlie Hebdo"Where are our taxes going?"
Missile: "On Syrians' faces."Charlie Hebdo"Zero growth."
Hollande sits in lifeguard chair and says, "We don't move," while everyone in the water drowns.Charlie Hebdo"The postal service is being privatized?"
Rope (presumably for hanging): "I am your new human resources department"Charlie HebdoCharlie Hebdo criticized Europe being ruled by banks. Here Hitler shown saying, "I'm an idiot! I should have worked at the BNP!" (One of the largest banks in France.)Charlie HebdoSunday, May 6, 2012, one minute before the election results - France prepares to flick away Sarkozy.Charlie HebdoFirst official photo of newly elected Hollande, pushing Sarkozy into a meat grinder.Charlie HebdoDepicted: Marine Le Pen, leader of the far right Front National party. "The new model for John Galliano." Galliano, portrayed in background, made anti-Semitic remarks just before Paris Fashion Week in 2011.Charlie HebdoAfter Gerard Depardieu decided to leave France for Belgium to avoid taxes, Charlie Hebdo published a cover asking if Belgium had the capacity to welcome the entire world's cholesterol.Charlie HebdoAfter an armed man entered French newspaper Libration's offices in Paris in 2013, injuring one staff member, Charlie Hebdo published this cover which reads: The press is doing fine. It excites jerks."Charlie Hebdo
