Ep 2. Chocolate News 102

Chocolate News is a satirical news show hosted by comedian David Alan Grier. In this episode, entitled Chocolate News 102, Grier tackles a wide range of current events and pop culture topics from a unique perspective.

The episode opens with a segment on the presidential election, as Grier interviews two African American voters about their thoughts on Barack Obama and John McCain. The humorous exchange touches on issues such as race, education, and healthcare, and sets the tone for the rest of the episode.

From there, Grier takes on the controversial topic of affirmative action, presenting a fake ad for "Reverse Affirmative Action," in which white people are given special treatment in hiring and college admissions. The parody is sharp and incisive, highlighting the absurdity of arguments against affirmative action.

In another segment, Grier interviews a group of middle school students who are studying black history. The kids are able to rattle off facts about Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, but struggle when asked about lesser-known figures such as Sojourner Truth and Phillis Wheatley. The segment is both funny and poignant, touching on the importance of teaching a complete and accurate history.

Later in the episode, Grier takes on the world of hip hop, presenting a news segment on "Laffy Taffy Rappers," who are criticized for their simplistic lyrics and dance moves. The segment is a play on the recent trend of "ringtone rap," and skewers the music industry's tendency to focus on gimmicks and catchphrases over substance.

Another standout segment in the episode features Grier as a black child actor who is forced to wear a "blackface" prosthetic nose for a role in a movie about Harriet Tubman. The parody is both hilarious and cutting, calling attention to Hollywood's tendency to cast white actors in minority roles and to perpetuate offensive stereotypes.

Throughout the episode, Grier also presents a series of mock commercials, including a spoof of a Levitra ad that pokes fun at both the drug's side effects and the stereotypes surrounding black men's sexuality. The commercials are a welcome addition to the show, providing a breather from the heavier topics and showcasing Grier's versatility as a comedian.

Overall, Chocolate News 102 is a strong follow-up to the show's debut episode. Grier's humor is at once irreverent and insightful, and his willingness to tackle difficult topics head-on is both refreshing and necessary. The show's satirical format allows for a unique perspective on the news and pop culture, and the mix of segments and skits keeps the episode engaging and entertaining throughout.