The Colbert Report Season 9 Episode 89 Kenneth Goldsmith
- July 23, 2013
Kenneth Goldsmith is the featured guest on The Colbert Report's season 9 episode 89. Goldsmith is an American poet who is known for his experimental style of writing, which involves language found in everyday life such as radio broadcasts, advertisements, and even weather reports.
The episode begins with Stephen Colbert giving his usual satirical monologue, touching on current events and political news. Colbert then introduces Goldsmith, who joins him on stage for an interview.
During the interview, Goldsmith discusses his unorthodox style of writing and how it challenges traditional notions of poetry. He also talks about the "uncreative writing" movement that he founded, which emphasizes the use of existing texts rather than original composition.
Colbert and Goldsmith have a playful exchange, with Colbert poking fun at Goldsmith's unconventional approach to poetry. However, Goldsmith makes a strong case for his methods, arguing that they allow for a more democratic approach to literature by giving value to previously overlooked language.
The two also discuss Goldsmith's controversial appropriation of Michael Brown's autopsy report as a poetic work, which drew criticism from some who saw it as insensitive. Goldsmith defends his intentions, arguing that he was trying to draw attention to the issues of police brutality and racism that the report exemplified.
Overall, the episode provides a thought-provoking and entertaining discussion on the nature of art, the role of language in culture, and the boundaries of what can be considered poetry. It demonstrates Colbert's ability to engage with guests from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives and to delve into significant social and cultural issues while keeping the conversation light-hearted and engaging.
