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Bowen Yang’s hilarious transformation on SNL: A viral sensation
A comedic twist on a viral hippo
During the latest “Weekend Update” segment on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Bowen Yang brought the house down with his portrayal of Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand who has recently become an internet sensation. Yang’s performance cleverly drew parallels between the hippo’s newfound fame and the pressures faced by pop superstar Chappell Roan.
The hippo’s busy schedule
Host Colin Jost set the stage by mentioning how visitors have been throwing bananas and shellfish at Moo Deng to get her attention. Yang, in full hippo costume, humorously chronicled Moo Deng’s hectic life, saying, “For the past 10 weeks, I have been going nonstop. Running around, eating lettuce, trying to bite the water from a hose.”
Drawing parallels with Chappell Roan
Yang’s Moo Deng then compared her experiences to those of Chappell Roan, who recently announced a break from performing to focus on her health. “It has come to the point where I need to set some boundaries,” Yang said, echoing Roan’s sentiments. He emphasized the importance of respecting personal space, adding, “Reminder: women owe you nothing. When I’m in my enclosure tripping over stuff, biting my trainer’s knee, I am at work. That is the project.”
The pressures of fame
When Jost asked about Moo Deng’s talent, Yang quipped, “Having a slippery body that bounces. Colin, before me, the only hippos in media were either hungry hungry [hippos, the board game] or Jada Pinkett Smith in Madagascar. But now, I’m your favorite hippo’s favorite hippo,” referencing an in-joke with Chappell Roan fans.
Jost noted the stress of being constantly watched, to which Yang agreed, saying, “Honestly, sometimes I feel like I live my life in a cage, like an animal trapped in a zoo for people to look at.” Jost humorously responded, “Well, that’s kind of what you are.”
A nod to Chappell Roan’s struggles
Jost drew further comparisons between Moo Deng and Chappell Roan, asking if Moo Deng knew Roan. Yang’s Moo Deng retorted, “I’m 10 weeks old, Colin, of course I know Chappell Roan. By the way, leave her alone. Let her take as much time as she needs for her mental health…it’s what society does. It puts young women on pedestals only to knock them down with shellfish.”
No political endorsements
In a final nod to Roan, Moo Deng announced she would not be making an endorsement in the presidential election, mirroring Roan’s own stance on political endorsements.
Chappell Roan’s rise to fame and recent challenges
Chappell Roan, who has skyrocketed to fame this year with hits like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Hot to Go!”, has been in the headlines for her candid comments about “entitled” and “creepy” fans. Recently, she issued a video statement explaining her decision not to endorse a presidential candidate, citing issues on both sides. However, she later clarified her stance, expressing her support for Kamala Harris while criticizing certain aspects of the Democratic party.
Taking a break for health
Roan’s recent decision to cancel her performances at the All Things Go music festivals in New York and Washington, D.C., was a significant move. In her statement, she explained, “I am unable to perform. Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it.” She emphasized the need to prioritize her health, saying, “I want to be present when I perform and give the best shows possible. Thank you for understanding. Be back soon xox.”
The impact of fame on young artists
The pressures faced by young artists like Chappell Roan highlight the intense scrutiny and expectations placed on them. The parallels drawn by Bowen Yang’s portrayal of Moo Deng on SNL serve as a humorous yet poignant reminder of the need for boundaries and self-care in the face of fame.
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