John Oliver, the host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, is known for his comedic deep dives into complex political and social issues. One quote frequently misattributed to him online compares the response to a failed shoe bomb attempt with the lack of gun control reform following school shootings. Did John Oliver actually make this comparison? Let’s investigate.
The Misattributed Quote and its Context
The quote often attributed to Oliver states: “One failed attempt at a shoe bomb, and we have to take our shoes off at the airport. Thirty-one school shootings since Columbine and no change in the regulation of guns.” This quote highlights the perceived disparity in reactions to a single act of terrorism versus repeated instances of gun violence. It resonates with those advocating for stricter gun control measures. However, despite its widespread circulation online, there’s no evidence that John Oliver ever uttered these words on his show or in any public forum.
John Oliver’s Addressing the Misquote
On a 2015 episode of Last Week Tonight, dedicated to urging Canadians not to re-elect then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Oliver explicitly addressed the misattributed quote. He acknowledged its prevalence online, stating, “It’s an interesting thought, but here’s the thing, I never said that! But I’ve seen it so many times, I’m now genuinely starting to wonder if I did!” This humorous admission underscores the power of misinformation in the digital age.
Oliver’s Style and the Quote’s Sentiment
While Oliver didn’t say the quote verbatim, it aligns with his comedic style and political commentary. He frequently criticizes inadequate government responses to societal problems, particularly regarding gun control. He has dedicated segments of Last Week Tonight to in-depth discussions on gun violence in America, advocating for stricter regulations.
The Shoe Bomb Incident and its Aftermath
The quote references the 2001 attempted shoe bombing by Richard Reid on American Airlines Flight 63. Following this incident, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implemented mandatory shoe removal for airport security screenings worldwide. This measure, still in effect today, highlights the significant impact of a single terrorist act on security protocols.
School Shootings and Gun Control Debate
The misattributed quote also touches upon the ongoing debate surrounding gun control in the United States. The reference to the Columbine High School massacre and the subsequent school shootings emphasizes the frequency of these tragedies and the lack of significant legislative change in response.
Conclusion: Separating Fact from Fiction
Despite its powerful message and alignment with John Oliver’s general viewpoints, the quote comparing shoe bombs to school shootings remains definitively misattributed. While Oliver himself has acknowledged the quote’s online prevalence, he has clearly denied authorship. This serves as a reminder to critically evaluate information found online, especially in the context of political discourse. The quote’s enduring popularity, however, reflects public sentiment regarding gun control and the perceived discrepancies in responses to different types of threats.
