Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’s Dalai Lama interview significant, powerful
We know that for some, we were starting to bathe a little too heavily into Presidential politics on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Sure, the issues that were discussed were incredibly important, but part of what makes this show so fantastic is its variety. Also, there is a tendency to learn a thing or two more about the world than you would almost anywhere else. This is what brings us to the Dalai Lama interview that took place on Sunday night.
Similar to when Oliver interviewed Edward Snowden, the visit from Oliver to India in order to interview the spiritual leader was a surprise going into the episode. Even in the midst of his discussion about the Dalai Lama’s history and his significant role when it comes to shaping culture, there was still little mention that an interview would be coming. Then, midway through the segment Sunday night, it happened.
In his interview, Oliver asked the Dalai Lama about the status of Tibet, the violent crises that still unfold within the region, and the actions by the Chinese government to discredit him. They even touch on his death and eventual reincarnation, something that has become a very divisive subject because of the government’s role in trying to dictate the future of the role. It’s an interview that is surprisingly funny at times, but also then very much honest at others. It’s certainly also educational, as Oliver is right regarding how many people associate the figure with peace and powerful quotes, but few have an accurate understanding of what it is that the Dalai Lama does. We may still be only a couple of months into 2017, but even still this may be in the running for the best interview piece we’ve seen so far this year. It may remain that way even when we start to push further into the year.
Interviews and pieces like this are further justification for Oliver doing a one-week show, and also for him not even doing one every week of the year. It opens up the possibility for him to do more global segments, to shine a light on particularly sensitive topics, and to show some bravery and gumption that you do not often see.
To see the full video of the segment, you can do so over at the show’s YouTube page.
Of course, we want to hear what you thought about the Dalai Lama interview! Be sure to share in the comments below. (Photo: HBO.)