Trevor Noah addresses riots, police brutality, social justice and more

The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah delivered a nearly 20-minute long reflection on this week’s headlines.

The death of George Floyd sparked protests, demonstrations, and riots in Minneapolis and across the country. Reactions from everyone from former President Barack Obama to media personalities have followed. The Daily Show‘s Trevor Noah added his perspective in an insightful and thought-provoking monologue.

Floyd’s death while being detained by a police officer came while other racially-charged incidents were still fresh in people’s minds. Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed while jogging in Georgia. In New York City, Amy Cooper called the police on an African American man who asked that she put her dog on a leash.

Another national discussion on social justice, race relations, and police brutality came after these events. On a personal level, you’ve probably seen Facebook and Twitter posts of people sharing their thoughts. President Donald Trump weighed in and so too has countless celebrities and public figures.

In the world of late night television, most shows have been off this week. But The Daily Show has continued to upload new content reacting to the week’s news. It gave host Trevor Noah the chance to share his thoughts on George Floyd, Amy Cooper, and the domino effect of racial injustice.

Trevor Noah continues to bring nuance to sensitive subjects.

Late night audiences can be assured that Stephen Colbert or Seth Meyers would also have something to say about George Floyd’s death and the protests. Jimmy Kimmel also dedicated his monologue to the topics and used it as another reason that change in the Oval Office is necessary.

But time and time again, Trevor Noah has proven to be an important voice in conversations about social justice. When Noah forgoes punchlines in favor of sharing his sincere thoughts, it can be more captivating than anything else on television and not just late night.

This ability to bring nuance, empathy, and insight is typically on display in “Between the Scenes.” These Daily Show clips often feature Noah commenting on politics, pop culture, and social issues. Late night audiences have demonstrated that they want more than just jokes from hosts. In moments like these, Noah rises to the occasion.

It would be easy for Noah to mimic the hot takes and loud outrage that often gets attention. The Daily Show mocks Fox News so often, it wouldn’t be hard for Noah to copy the style. But instead of going on a Twitter rant, yelling into the camera, or fear-mongering, Noah brings logic, fact, and his own experiences to the conversation.

What did you think of this video from Trevor Noah? Let us know in the comment section below. Keep checking Last Night On for more from The Daily Show and the rest of late night television.