As the world is still mourning the tragic and shocking attacks on the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris that left 12 of France's most famed satirical cartoonists dead yesterday, many are left looking for answers. During Wednesday's episode of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart addressed the attacks on the Charlie Hebdo offices with a powerful statement about the meaning of comedy and satire, as well as the difficulty with trying to make sense of an unthinkable act such as this one.
"I know very few people go into comedy, you know, as an act of courage. Mainly because it shouldn’t have to be that. It shouldn’t be an act of courage. It should be taken as established law," Stewart said during the episode, growing serious for the extent of his statement. "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 and outraged the back and forth can become, it’s still back and forth — a conversation amongst those on, let’s call it team civilization."
Stewart went on to add that though people will be looking for answers, there's no making sense of these crimes, only carrying on the conversation as best as possible in the face of them — and that's exactly what the show would aim to do.
You can check out Stewart's powerful statement below.
