InfoSearched
Published -
- August 19, 2019
- 8:00 pm
Key & Peele:
An afternoon hangout turns tense when the criminal element rolls through the neighborhood.
How does the sketch offer social commentary on race and police brutality?
In a television sketch comedy show known for its edgy and irreverent humor, the sketch “A Different Kind of Drive-By” from Key & Peele stands out for its biting social commentary on race and police brutality.
The sketch starts innocuously enough, with a car filled with three African American friends on a night out. But as they drive through the streets, they are stopped by a white police officer who orders them out of the car at gunpoint. As the officer begins to search them for weapons, he finds a gun in one of their pockets – but instead of reacting with anger or aggression, he asks them where they got it and how they obtained a permit. In short, he treats them with courtesy and respect.
As the sketch continues, the twist becomes clear: the entire scene is a reversal of the typical narrative of police encounters with black men. Instead of being met with violence and aggression, the African American characters are treated not only with respect but with suspicion of the white officer. The sketch ends with a montage of white individuals being pulled over by police officers and treated with the same violence and aggression that is all too familiar in real life.
This sketch is significant not only for its clever writing and execution but for the way it draws attention to the routine violence faced by African Americans at the hands of law enforcement officers. By turning the concept of a “drive-by” on its head and subverting audience expectations, Key & Peele make a bold statement about the need for change in police relations with minority communities.
The sketch has been praised by critics and fans alike for its boldness and its ability to make a serious point while still being entertaining. It is a testament to the power of comedy as a tool for social commentary and offers a different perspective on a complex issue. By using humor to explore our understanding of race and power, Key & Peele have created a piece of art that speaks to a much larger audience than just fans of sketch comedy. The sketch is a masterpiece of satire and offers a glimmer of hope that we can learn to talk about difficult issues with humor and grace.
