Controversial Comments Spark Outrage on Comedy Show
On Thursday, the internet comedy series “Subway Takes” stirred up significant backlash after a guest, singer Arooj Aftab, suggested that white individuals in Brooklyn should be banned from sitting on stoops, deeming them “aesthetically inferior.”
Aftab made her remarks while riding the subway with host Kareem Rahma. She stated, “White people should not be allowed to sit on the stoop in Bed-Stuy,” which led to a surprised reaction from Rahma.
“Wow, 100 percent…I disagree!” he exclaimed in a video clip that was shared online.
Despite the initial controversy, Aftab doubled down on her stance, arguing that it detracts from the neighborhood’s aesthetic. “It looks bad. It’s not very aesthetically pleasing, especially in Bed-Stuy,” she explained.
She went on to lament the changes in the historically black neighborhood, saying, “We shouldn’t invite all our friends over and sit on our knees while more and more white people move into Bed-Stuy and ruin the atmosphere and our favorite bars.” Aftab insisted that this situation disrespects the area’s history.
Rahma chimed in, agreeing that it wasn’t great when white people sit slouched in the neighborhood, though he didn’t delve further into his thoughts.
Aftab mentioned that she had lived in Bed-Stuy for 12 years before moving away. The demographic shift in the area, from 74% Black in 2000 to 40% Black in 2023, has raised concerns about gentrification.
Adding a light-hearted touch, Aftab joked that, although he isn’t white, he wouldn’t sit at a hotpot in Brooklyn. “So, out of respect for you as a brown woman, do you also think, ‘I’m not black so I won’t sit on the stoop?'” Rahma asked. She responded with a laugh, affirming his point.
However, online critics were quick to express their disapproval, regardless of the comedic context. One user pointed out, “If you said this about any other race, you’d just sound like an enraged racist.” Another remarked, “Sitting on the stoop is a God-given right of every Brooklynite.”
Critics characterized Aftab’s comments as hypocritical, with one noting, “I lived in a historically black neighborhood for 12 years and participated in gentrification, but I draw the line at sitting hunched over.” Others mocked her perspective, joking, “Lol, the idea of Nepo’s baby telling us what’s ‘good’ about King Bed Stuy is hilarious.”
The series, featuring various celebrities from Cate Blanchett to Lil Nas X riding the subway with Rahma, invites guests to share their views on numerous topics. At the end of the episode, Rahma surprised Aftab by claiming he could sit on a Bed-Stuy stoop because he could “pass” for Black. “Nobody’s going to say anything bad,” he said, to which Aftab responded skeptically, and they both shared a laugh.
