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SNL Skewers Harry Potter's Racist Wizarding World
5 Apr
Summary
- SNL's Kam Patterson portrayed Professor Snape with a focus on racism.
- The sketch highlighted problematic elements within the Harry Potter universe.
- J.K. Rowling was humorously suggested as potentially problematic.

Kam Patterson brought Professor Snape to life on Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' offering a pointed commentary on racism within the Harry Potter narrative. The performance, inspired by HBO's upcoming series casting of a Black actor as Snape, saw Patterson's character engage in 'code-switching' and directly address racial issues.
Patterson's Snape characterized Harry Potter as a racist, referring to him as 'The Proud Boy Who Lived.' The sketch also critiqued the casting and depiction of Black characters, such as Kingsley Shacklebolt, whose name and portrayal were deemed problematic. The commentary extended to the enslaved 'house elves,' suggesting a deeper, unaddressed societal issue within the wizarding world.
The segment concluded with a provocative message to Harry, further emphasizing the sketch's satirical take. The humor cleverly touched upon the controversial views of J.K. Rowling, with the show's anchor suggesting that the author herself might be problematic.