Sarah Silverman Says She Was ‘Ignorant’ For Using Slurs in Stand-Up

Sarah Silverman Reflects on Past Use of Racial Slurs in Stand-Up Comedy

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Sarah Silverman opened up about her past use of racial slurs in her stand-up comedy and how she has evolved her material over the years. The comedian admitted that she once believed she could use derogatory language while performing because she was “playing a character” and thought her intentions were always good. However, upon reflection, Silverman now acknowledges the ignorance of her past actions.

“I felt like the world around me was accepting of using offensive language because we considered ourselves liberal,” Silverman explained. “I portrayed a character that was arrogant and ignorant, so I thought it was acceptable. Looking back, I realize that my intentions may have been good, but they were ultimately ignorant.”

Silverman faced backlash for appearing in blackface during an episode of her show “The Sarah Silverman Program” in 2007, as well as for using Asian slurs in her material. She has since apologized for these incidents and has shifted towards more politically correct humor. However, Silverman clarifies that her decision to move away from offensive material was not driven by a fear of upsetting audiences.

“I don’t see myself as being politically correct out of fear,” Silverman stated. “Some people criticized me for apologizing, but I did it because I genuinely felt remorse. It’s important to only apologize when you truly mean it. Always apologize when you’re sorry.”

Silverman’s journey towards more socially conscious comedy reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where comedians are reevaluating their material in light of changing societal norms. By acknowledging her past mistakes and committing to a more thoughtful approach to comedy, Silverman exemplifies the importance of evolving and learning from past missteps in order to create a more inclusive and respectful comedic landscape.