Tooning Out The News Season 2 Episode 37 TUESDAY 5/4/21 VIRTUE SIGNAL (Rep. Ruben Gallego)
- May 4, 2021
As a virtual tribute to Star Wars Day happening on May the Fourth, the animated news satire show Tooning Out The News presents their 37th episode of season 2 titled "Tuesday 5/4/21 Virtue Signal (Rep. Ruben Gallego)." The show's signature animated characters are featured on various segments that mimic real-life news programs, discussing relevant current events with a humorous and satirical tone.
In this particular episode, Arizona Congressman Ruben Gallego is the special guest on the show's signature segment "Virtue Signal," where the anchors attempt to virtue signal by presenting themselves as champions of social justice and equity causes. The segment is introduced by anchor James Smartwood, who establishes the topic for the day: "Why do we need to listen to marginalized communities?"
Gallego begins by sharing his experience as an immigrant and talking about the importance of listening to the voices of marginalized communities. He also emphasizes the significance of voting and how it impacts policies that affect these communities. The segment cleverly pokes fun at the phenomenon of virtue signaling prevalent in social media and politics, where individuals try to showcase their values but may not necessarily act upon them.
Another segment featured in this episode is "The Desk," where anchor Imani Gandy discusses the progress of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which is currently under review in Congress. The segment provides an overview of the Act and its significance in addressing police brutality and systemic racism in the United States. Gandy also highlights the pushback and resistance from some elected officials against the Act, emphasizing the importance of engaging in discussions that promote social justice.
The show introduces another segment titled "The Establishment," where anchor Mark Groubert interviews a fictional establishment figure, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Sherry Warner. The humorous segment satirizes the reluctance of large corporations to promote progressive values publicly and their tendency to prioritize profit over social responsibility.
The audience is also treated to a musical segment titled "Mo's Maestro," where anchor Mo Rocca presents a humorous take on popular songs with a political twist. In this episode, Rocca presents a parody of The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby," which he humorously renames "Officer Chauvin" in a reference to the trial of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd.
Finally, the episode concludes with a segment titled "Let Me Finish" where anchor Sarah Kendzior provides a passionate monologue on the importance of actively engaging in political discussions and making an effort to understand the perspectives of marginalized communities. The segment calls upon the audience to take action and not remain passive observers in the face of social injustice.
Overall, Tooning Out The News season 2 episode 37 "Tuesday 5/4/21 Virtue Signal (Rep. Ruben Gallego)" offers viewers a humorous yet insightful take on current events while highlighting the importance of social justice and equity. The use of animation and satire effectively highlight crucial issues and encourage constructive dialogue.