Charlie Kirk spent years turning empathy into a punchline, so forgive me if I don’t break out the world’s smallest violin now that people aren’t lining up to offer him theirs.
He called empathy “made up,” but honestly, so was half his shtick. Gang violence = Black people? That wasn’t debate, that was a dog whistle so loud even the dogs were like “bro, we get it.”
And the rush to canonize him as a martyr? No thanks. Kirk died the way he lived, trying to own the libs, and that is exactly how his fan club is spinning it. If we are going to call this political violence, then we better be ready to call George Floyd’s murder political violence too. Otherwise we are just laundering hate into heroism.
Blessed be the ones who refuse to hand out sainthood to someone who spent their life selling tickets to the culture war.
Wonderfully expressed, as usual. No words to add other than, is there any chance United Shades of America will return in some form? I became a fan because of your ability to engage with anyone. Truly a rare gift these days.
I subscribed to Kahlil Greene after he was a guest on your show. He also did an excellent piece on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk. Both of you are incredibly courageous in speaking truth to power. And Kamau, those 3 beautiful and talented girls wouldn't have it any other way. https://historycanthide.substack.com/p/thousands-of-gen-zers-dont-feel-bad
This piece + Kahlil Greene’s piece that you mention, together bring such a holistic, in-depth account of what just took place and what we’re seeing unfolding as a result. I restacked Kahlil’s piece and have never received more likes AND more troll comments from restacking a post, a true testament to the nerve that Kirk’s assassination is hitting hard on all sides. While incredibly difficult to stomach, the comments I’ve been receiving from folks on the Right are so eye-opening as to the rhetoric and nonsensical delusions on that side of the aisle. What a time we find ourselves in.
I'm with you. And I appreciate and admire your bravery. (Yep, we're at the point in American history where being a comedian who calls out racist sh*t is taking his life into his hands. Truly horrifying.)
Murder is murder, gun violence is gun violence. I have only read a couple of quotes by the hate monger Kirk. That was enough for me. What a horrible man. And I knew as soon as his murder was announced, TrumPUS would use it to stoke the fire of building unrest, division, hatred and despair. I checked in with all my loved ones for shared solace about all this unnecessary gun violence. I live in Minnesota, a few miles from where George Floyd was murdered. That was a very bad day. I had and have empathy for his family and our community. After all the subsequent gun violence here in Minnesota, as of late, I hope MN steps up to banning assault rifles. I am in near constant contact with Tim Walz and my Senators. Especially, when I feel upset about the trumPUS regime.
I did not know this kirk fellow but I've read up on who he was and what he stood for.... let's say that should I have seen him at the side of a road asking a lift in my car I would have said "NO" with a smile and lot's of no-empathy.
However, the massive twist in this kirk story is the now practically 100% sure fact that he has been shot by a rightwing fellow who thought that this kirk guy was not extreme enough.
I know and realize that this investigation will take time but I really wonder if patel's FBI and bondi's ex-DoJ will try to get to the bottom of this. The fact that the kirk guy gets a "fweedumb" medal from the ignoramus-in-chief is also telling.
The next Dem Administration and Congress - and there will be one, there will, there will, there will - must create a new Presidential Medal of Freedom with a brand new name.
Thank you for this! I’ve been a fan for a long time, and you do have a way of summing things up in a beautiful way even when it’s about ugly things. Charlie was about as ugly as you could get, inside and out.
I was looking forward to the commentary you would share on this. This was beautifully put. I agree with the personal acceptance of lacking empathy. This episode has also brought into such sharp focus the hypocrisy and convenient self-delusion of the right. Outraged one moment at a mysterious leftie (bc who else could possibly have done it), and pivoting hard to other blame games once they found out he was one of their own. There is no logic to all this bc hate is illogical and manipulated by people like Kirk.
I also had not thought of the other side of the coin—your identification with him as a target for speaking your mind. That has to be truly terrifying. You are very brave, and your words are desperately needed. Thank you for your service, too.
P.s. You were super funny last night in Chicago. But your segment was too short! Less producers, more you. 😆
Kamau, this topic continues to haunt, and I wanted to ask, if you thought moderated town halls where people from both sides got together and we talked about what we all believe in and the things we can agree on. If we start at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and moved up from there, could we find common ground with each other?
No one sums things up better than you, Kamau. No one. Thanks!
Thank you for reading my stuff. I truly appreciate it.
Charlie Kirk spent years turning empathy into a punchline, so forgive me if I don’t break out the world’s smallest violin now that people aren’t lining up to offer him theirs.
He called empathy “made up,” but honestly, so was half his shtick. Gang violence = Black people? That wasn’t debate, that was a dog whistle so loud even the dogs were like “bro, we get it.”
And the rush to canonize him as a martyr? No thanks. Kirk died the way he lived, trying to own the libs, and that is exactly how his fan club is spinning it. If we are going to call this political violence, then we better be ready to call George Floyd’s murder political violence too. Otherwise we are just laundering hate into heroism.
Blessed be the ones who refuse to hand out sainthood to someone who spent their life selling tickets to the culture war.
I think grown-up people can hold two thoughts in their mind at the same time.
1. No one should be murdered for exposing their beliefs, no matter how heinous.
2. Charlie Kirk exposed heinous beliefs.
As to empathy, I’m with Kamau — express it if you feel it. There’s nothing wrong with you if you don’t.
Thank you!
Perfectly said!
Wonderfully expressed, as usual. No words to add other than, is there any chance United Shades of America will return in some form? I became a fan because of your ability to engage with anyone. Truly a rare gift these days.
That show is done. But I’m working on a new project that is in the same vein.
I’ll be watching!
I subscribed to Kahlil Greene after he was a guest on your show. He also did an excellent piece on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk. Both of you are incredibly courageous in speaking truth to power. And Kamau, those 3 beautiful and talented girls wouldn't have it any other way. https://historycanthide.substack.com/p/thousands-of-gen-zers-dont-feel-bad
This piece + Kahlil Greene’s piece that you mention, together bring such a holistic, in-depth account of what just took place and what we’re seeing unfolding as a result. I restacked Kahlil’s piece and have never received more likes AND more troll comments from restacking a post, a true testament to the nerve that Kirk’s assassination is hitting hard on all sides. While incredibly difficult to stomach, the comments I’ve been receiving from folks on the Right are so eye-opening as to the rhetoric and nonsensical delusions on that side of the aisle. What a time we find ourselves in.
Thank you for your comments and take care.
Nicole - FYI - Ask Me ANYTHING about Charlie Kirk and Gen Z Leftists | LIVE DISCUSSION @ 5:30PM EST
https://historycanthide.substack.com/p/ask-me-anything-about-charlie-kirk?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=63eae&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
I'm with you. And I appreciate and admire your bravery. (Yep, we're at the point in American history where being a comedian who calls out racist sh*t is taking his life into his hands. Truly horrifying.)
I’m with you! Zero empathy for someone who deserves even less than that.
Murder is murder, gun violence is gun violence. I have only read a couple of quotes by the hate monger Kirk. That was enough for me. What a horrible man. And I knew as soon as his murder was announced, TrumPUS would use it to stoke the fire of building unrest, division, hatred and despair. I checked in with all my loved ones for shared solace about all this unnecessary gun violence. I live in Minnesota, a few miles from where George Floyd was murdered. That was a very bad day. I had and have empathy for his family and our community. After all the subsequent gun violence here in Minnesota, as of late, I hope MN steps up to banning assault rifles. I am in near constant contact with Tim Walz and my Senators. Especially, when I feel upset about the trumPUS regime.
Hi, Belgian here.
I did not know this kirk fellow but I've read up on who he was and what he stood for.... let's say that should I have seen him at the side of a road asking a lift in my car I would have said "NO" with a smile and lot's of no-empathy.
However, the massive twist in this kirk story is the now practically 100% sure fact that he has been shot by a rightwing fellow who thought that this kirk guy was not extreme enough.
I know and realize that this investigation will take time but I really wonder if patel's FBI and bondi's ex-DoJ will try to get to the bottom of this. The fact that the kirk guy gets a "fweedumb" medal from the ignoramus-in-chief is also telling.
Be careful out there.
Always. But thank you for thinking of me.
No empathy here. Emotion though. One bad actor gone.
The next Dem Administration and Congress - and there will be one, there will, there will, there will - must create a new Presidential Medal of Freedom with a brand new name.
Thank you for this! I’ve been a fan for a long time, and you do have a way of summing things up in a beautiful way even when it’s about ugly things. Charlie was about as ugly as you could get, inside and out.
Always appreciative of the way you lead discussions on these issues. Especially in times like now.
Thank you. I try to be nuanced but clear and hopefully a little bit funny.
I was looking forward to the commentary you would share on this. This was beautifully put. I agree with the personal acceptance of lacking empathy. This episode has also brought into such sharp focus the hypocrisy and convenient self-delusion of the right. Outraged one moment at a mysterious leftie (bc who else could possibly have done it), and pivoting hard to other blame games once they found out he was one of their own. There is no logic to all this bc hate is illogical and manipulated by people like Kirk.
I also had not thought of the other side of the coin—your identification with him as a target for speaking your mind. That has to be truly terrifying. You are very brave, and your words are desperately needed. Thank you for your service, too.
P.s. You were super funny last night in Chicago. But your segment was too short! Less producers, more you. 😆
❤️
I think you captured what many feel at this moment. However, how the hell do we get out of this?
That’s the $64,000 question.
Kamau, this topic continues to haunt, and I wanted to ask, if you thought moderated town halls where people from both sides got together and we talked about what we all believe in and the things we can agree on. If we start at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and moved up from there, could we find common ground with each other?