Sacha Baron Cohen's scathing attack on Facebook: 'greatest propaganda machine in history'
In a speech last
night at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the actor and comedian Sacha Baron
Cohen attacked Facebook
and other social media platforms for enabling the proliferation of hate speech
and misinformation. The speech was
striking in its sincerity – Baron Cohen appeared as himself, rather than “in
character” as one of his satirical personas – and its blistering tone.
Describing Facebook as “the greatest propaganda machine in history”, Baron Cohen argued that the company, which does not vet political ads for truthfulness, would have allowed Hitler to run propaganda on its platform. Here is the full transcript, from his prepared remarks:
Describing Facebook as “the greatest propaganda machine in history”, Baron Cohen argued that the company, which does not vet political ads for truthfulness, would have allowed Hitler to run propaganda on its platform. Here is the full transcript, from his prepared remarks:
Today around the world, demagogues appeal
to our worst instincts. Conspiracy theories once confined to the fringe are
going mainstream. It’s as if the Age of Reason – the era of evidential
argument – is ending, and now knowledge is delegitimized and scientific
consensus is dismissed. Democracy, which depends on shared truths, is in retreat,
and autocracy, which depends on shared lies, is on the march. Hate crimes
are surging,
as are murderous attacks on religious and ethnic minorities.
Thank you, ADL, for
this recognition and your work in fighting racism, hate and bigotry. And to be
clear, when I say “racism, hate and bigotry” I’m not referring to the names of
Stephen Miller’s Labradoodles. Now, I realize that
some of you may be thinking, what the hell is a comedian doing speaking at a
conference like this! I certainly am. I’ve spent most of the past two decades
in character. In fact, this is the first time that I have ever stood up and
given a speech as my least popular character, Sacha Baron Cohen. And I have to
confess, it is terrifying.
I realize that my
presence here may also be unexpected for another reason. At times, some critics
have said my comedy risks reinforcing old stereotypes. The truth is, I’ve
been passionate about challenging bigotry and intolerance throughout my life... read more: