SNL's Black Snape Sketch Sparks Discussion on Racism in the Wizarding World

Kam Patterson portrayed a Black version of Professor Severus Snape during the "Weekend Update" segment of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), referencing HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" series, which features Black actor Paapa Essiedu in the role. The sketch, introduced by Colin Jost, utilized humor to address themes of racism within the "Harry Potter" universe.

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In the sketch, Patterson's Snape humorously critiques the character of Harry Potter, labeling him as "racist" and referring to him as "the Proud Boy Who Lived." This commentary highlights the perceived racial dynamics in the wizarding world, where Snape expresses frustration over being the only Black teacher at Hogwarts and the stereotypes associated with his character. The dialogue includes pointed remarks about the portrayal of Black characters, such as Kingsley Shacklebolt, and the absurdity of racial assumptions within a magical context.

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Colin Jost's interactions with Patterson's Snape serve to amplify the sketch's critique of systemic racism. Jost's comment, “I think he’s just worried because he knows someone’s trying to steal the Sorcerer’s Stone,” is met with Snape's retort about racial profiling, emphasizing the sketch's focus on the absurdity of such stereotypes. The sketch concludes with Snape's assertion that the wizarding world is "messed up," further underscoring the critique of J.K. Rowling's portrayal of race.

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While the sketch aims to use humor to address serious issues, it may also provoke mixed reactions. Some viewers might appreciate the satire and its commentary on racism, while others could argue that it trivializes the complexities of racial issues in literature and media. The portrayal of Snape's character and the references to slavery within the wizarding world could be seen as controversial, raising questions about the appropriateness of humor in discussing such sensitive topics.

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• “Not great. We got this new kid. His name is Harry Potter, and he’s racist as hell. Harry Potter — or, the Proud Boy Who Lived — spent the whole year telling everybody that the school’s only Black teacher was secretly evil.” — Kam Patterson, as Snape

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• “The whole wizarding world is racist,” — Kam Patterson, as Snape

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• “Yes, some folk got house elves. I bet you didn’t know they got field elves too. They didn’t put that in the book, huh, Colin?” — Kam Patterson, as Snape

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The SNL sketch featuring Kam Patterson as Black Snape serves as a provocative commentary on race within the "Harry Potter" franchise. By employing humor, the sketch invites viewers to reflect on the implications of racial representation in popular culture, while also highlighting the ongoing discussions surrounding J.K. Rowling's work and its legacy.

Variety Magazine