Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has been a recurring joke on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, often used to mock political figures and their statements. Colbert's references to Sheboygan are not just random; they are carefully crafted to highlight the absurdity of certain situations. Here's a breakdown of some of the most notable mentions and the commentary behind them.
The 'Funny Name Towns' Joke
In December 2024, Colbert made a joke about Luigi Mangione, a character in the movie 'Home Alone', who was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He then mentioned Sheboygan as one of America's 'funny name towns', drawing out the word 'boy' as 'boing'. This joke is a play on the idea that funny-sounding places are often associated with small-town America, and the police are always on the lookout for fugitives.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Colbert uses the town's name to mock the idea of a small-town police force. It's a clever twist that highlights the absurdity of the situation, and it's a perfect example of Colbert's ability to make the mundane funny.
Trump's 'Horrible City' Comment
In the summer of 2024, Colbert made two jokes about President Donald Trump's comment that Milwaukee was a 'horrible city'. The first joke was a direct reference to Trump's dissing of Milwaukee, which was hosting the Republican National Convention. Colbert's response was a playful apology, accepting an invitation to attend a Milwaukee Brewers game and even running in the Sausage Race.
This raises a deeper question: What makes a city 'horrible' in the eyes of a political figure? Colbert's joke suggests that it's not just about the city's name or reputation, but also about the reaction of the people who live there. The fact that the crowd in Milwaukee responded with scattered chuckles is a telling detail.
Sheboygan and the Lackluster Crowd Reaction
Colbert also made a joke about former President Joe Biden's visit to Philadelphia to talk about his 'Bidenomics' agenda. He compared the crowd's reaction to Biden's attempt to share a sense of local pride with the crowd, noting that the crowd responded with scattered chuckles. Colbert then exchanged his glasses for black lens aviators, likening the president to a character in a comedy show.
What this really suggests is that Colbert is not just making fun of the politicians, but also of the people who are supposed to be supporting them. The joke highlights the disconnect between the politicians and the people, and it's a reminder that humor can be a powerful tool for social commentary.
In conclusion, Stephen Colbert's references to Sheboygan are not just random mentions of a small town. They are carefully crafted jokes that highlight the absurdity of certain situations and the disconnect between politicians and the people. It's a reminder that humor can be a powerful tool for social commentary, and it's a testament to Colbert's ability to make the mundane funny.
