Jon Stewart mocks "gang-sign" controversy: "All this time, I've been the lead-in for a notorious gang member"

Stewart added "pointing" to the list of “innocent things that black people do that look suspicious”

Published November 13, 2014 2:39PM (EST)

 Jon Stewart           (Comedy Central)
Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)

Jon Stewart tackled the ridiculous "gang-sign" or "pointergate" controversy on Wednesday night's "Daily Show."

If you're not up to speed on overblown controversies, here's your primer: Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges was out with volunteers getting out the vote. She posed for a photo with an African-American male volunteer, where they pointed at each other. A local news station picked this up and stated that Hodges was doing a known "gang-sign."

The entire thing is ridiculous, and Stewart pointed that out by displaying a photo of Stephen Colbert doing the same hand gesture. "All this time," Stewart cried, "I’ve been the lead-in for a notorious gang member!"

Frustrated by the entire non-controversial hullaballoo, Stewart updates the list of "innocent things that black people do that look suspicious." The list is heavy as it includes reaching for a wallet, sitting in a car, knocking on a door asking for help, holding skittles. Watch below:


By Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on innovation. Follow @sarahhhgray or email sgray@salon.com.

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Comedy Gang Sign Jon Stewart #pointergate Police Politics Race Stephen Colbert The Daily Show Video