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Tonic

We Talked to the Guy Who's Mastered the Art of Talking Race with Racists

W. Kamau Bell advises on how to not punch a white nationalist.

Remember that viral video of ol' boy punching white nationalist and coiner of the term "alt-right" Richard Spencer in the face? It was so satisfying. What a great release of anger and frustration. A therapeutic jab, if you will, for all non-racist humankind. Allow me to kill your buzz real quick. Some people have to sit and have an actual conversation with Richard Spencer and not punch him in the face. One of these people is the socio-political comedian and TV host W. Kamau Bell. His CNN show, United Shades of America, which focuses on race, garnered a lot of attention when he wandered into KKK territory last year to discuss race relations with some hooded delights in the middle of the forest. And just a few weeks ago, he interviewed Spencer at an alt-right conference where the Trump-riding parasite broke down some stuff that his followers believe—like how the history of immigrants is "kind of lame," and how women "are more suited to maintaining the household." I respect Bell's journalistic prowess, as well as his team's willingness to spark uncomfortable conversations that need to happen. But there is no way I'd be able to do his job without some serious daily time in psychotherapy, clutching a teddy bear and spooning a bottle of Jack.

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