The Colbert Report Season 4 Episode 10 Malcolm Gladwell, Andrew Young
- January 22, 2008
On season 4, episode 10 of The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert welcomes two guests: author Malcolm Gladwell and civil rights activist Andrew Young.
The show begins with Colbert's usual comedic monologue, where he covers current events and pokes fun at politicians and celebrities. He also sets the stage for what's to come, teasing his upcoming guests and their respective accomplishments.
First up is Malcolm Gladwell, whose work as a writer and journalist has made him a household name. Colbert introduces him as "one of the most influential thinkers of our time," and proceeds to ask him about his latest book, What the Dog Saw. Gladwell explains that the book is a collection of his past articles and essays, all of which follow his signature style of blending psychology, sociology, and statistics.
The conversation then shifts to Gladwell's upbringing in Canada, where he recounts growing up in a small town and feeling like an outsider. Colbert jumps in with lighthearted jokes, using Gladwell's background to play up Canadian stereotypes (cue jokes about maple syrup and curling). They then delve into the topic of Gladwell's famous 10,000-hour rule, which suggests that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in any given field. Colbert jokingly laments that he's spent over 10,000 hours hosting his show, but still hasn't achieved expert status.
The second guest of the night is civil rights activist and politician Andrew Young. Colbert doesn't hold back in his introduction, declaring Young as "one of the coolest humans to ever walk the earth." The two men start off by discussing Young's early days as a pastor, and how his faith influenced his activism. Young recounts his involvement in various civil rights campaigns, including the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, and shares stories of his experiences with Martin Luther King Jr.
Colbert transitions into more recent events, asking Young about his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. Young offers thoughtful insights, discussing the importance of nonviolent protest and acknowledging the progress that has been made, while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done. Colbert is clearly moved by the conversation, and ends on a serious note by thanking Young for his work and commitment to civil rights.
Throughout the episode, Colbert also includes segments of his patented satirical news reporting, such as a fake ad for a gun that doubles as a smartphone, and a segment poking fun at the Kardashians. These comedic bits help to break up the serious topics of the show, and keep the audience engaged and entertained.
Overall, season 4, episode 10 of The Colbert Report is a well-balanced mix of comedy and serious discussion, with two notable guests who offer valuable insights into their respective fields. Colbert's humor and wit keep the show lively, while Gladwell and Young provide meaningful and thought-provoking conversations.
