The Colbert Report Season 3 Episode 20 Chris Hedges

In season 3 episode 20 of The Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert welcomes journalist and author Chris Hedges to discuss his new book, "Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle". The episode kicks off with Colbert poking fun at the title of Hedges' book, jokingly declaring that he prefers the triumph of popcorn. He then introduces Hedges, who begins by explaining the concept of his book: the idea that American society has become obsessed with spectacle and image at the expense of critical thinking and meaningful discourse.

The conversation turns to the topic of politics, with Colbert challenging Hedges on his views about the Obama administration. Hedges argues that Obama has not done enough to address issues such as income inequality and the military-industrial complex, and that his administration has continued many of the same policies as his predecessor, George W. Bush. Colbert pushes back, challenging Hedges to suggest an alternative approach to foreign policy that would be more effective than Obama's.

The discussion then turns to the media, with Hedges arguing that many news outlets have become little more than vehicles for entertainment and sensationalism. He points to examples such as the rise of reality TV and the 24-hour news cycle, which he believes have contributed to the overall dumbing down of American culture. Colbert challenges Hedges on this point, arguing that his own show is a form of entertainment but also includes serious analysis and commentary.

The interview concludes with Hedges discussing the role of education in American society. He argues that the focus on standardized testing and job training has led to a decline in critical thinking skills and a lack of emphasis on the humanities. Colbert challenges Hedges to come up with a practical solution to this issue, and they ultimately end the segment on a hopeful note, with Hedges urging viewers to take action and strive for a more informed and engaged society.

The rest of the episode features Colbert's usual mix of political satire and absurdist humor, with segments such as "The Word" (where he satirizes current events using puns and wordplay), interviews with guests such as musician Rob Thomas, and a mock commercial for a fictional product called "Capitol One Percenter" (a credit card for the ultra-rich).

Overall, season 3 episode 20 of The Colbert Report provides a thoughtful and engaging discussion on the state of American culture and politics, with Hedges offering a sobering critique of the current state of affairs and Colbert providing his usual mix of humor and insight.