Hegseth, Vance, And Rubio: SNL's Hilarious Take On Gen Z Communication

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

4.8

Share

The Skit's Setup and Premise: Exposing Communication Gaps

The SNL skit opens with Hegseth, Vance, and Rubio huddled around a table, desperately trying to brainstorm ways to connect with younger voters. The scene immediately sets the stage for the comedic breakdown that follows. The contrast is stark:

• Appearance and Mannerisms: The characters are dressed in slightly outdated attire, reinforcing the generational gap. Their body language is stiff and formal, a stark contrast to the more relaxed communication styles favored by Gen Z.
• Outdated Slang and References: The politicians pepper their conversation with attempts at using Gen Z slang, which fall completely flat, highlighting their disconnect from the current cultural landscape. Their references are often decades out of date, further emphasizing the communication gap.
• Communication Style Contrast: The skit brilliantly juxtaposes their formal, often aggressive, communication style with the informal, digitally-driven approach preferred by Gen Z. This contrast forms the comedic core of the skit and underscores the central theme: a significant disconnect exists in how different generations communicate.

Hegseth's Portrayal: A Study in Outdated Rhetoric

The skit masterfully satirizes Tucker Carlson's perceived communication style, portraying him as aggressively opinionated and lacking nuance. Hegseth's portrayal in the SNL skit highlights:

• Aggressive Communication: Hegseth’s lines are often delivered with a bellowing intensity, showcasing a confrontational approach that is largely ineffective with Gen Z. Specific examples include his exaggerated pronouncements and attempts to interrupt others.
• Gen Z Reaction: Gen Z is known for valuing authenticity and nuanced conversations. Hegseth's aggressive style likely alienates this demographic, who may view it as overly simplistic and lacking in empathy.
• Effective Communication Strategies: The skit subtly suggests that a more empathetic, inclusive, and less confrontational approach would be more effective in reaching Gen Z.

Vance and Rubio: Navigating the Millennial/Gen Z Divide

J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio are portrayed attempting to bridge the gap, but their efforts are comically clumsy. Their attempts at Gen Z engagement reveal the challenges of cross-generational communication:

• Awkward Gen Z Slang: Both characters attempt to incorporate current slang and trends, but their usage is forced and unnatural, leading to humorous, awkward moments.
• Comedic Effect of Awkwardness: The humor arises from the stark contrast between their genuine intentions and their clumsy execution. This awkwardness highlights the difficulties of authentically connecting with a younger generation without seeming inauthentic.
• Cultural and Generational Differences: The skit's underlying message points to deep-seated cultural and generational differences that extend beyond mere language and encompass differing values and perspectives.

The SNL Skit's Commentary on Political Communication in the Digital Age

The SNL skit's implications extend beyond the three individuals portrayed. It offers a broader commentary on political communication in the digital age:

• Social Media's Influence: Social media profoundly shapes Gen Z's communication preferences, favoring authenticity, visual content, and concise messaging. Traditional political communication strategies often fail to resonate within this environment.
• Adapting Communication Styles: The skit underscores the necessity for politicians and public figures to adapt their communication styles to effectively connect with different audiences. A "one-size-fits-all" approach is clearly insufficient.
• Critique of Traditional Strategies: The skit serves as a critique of traditional, top-down political communication, highlighting its limitations in reaching and engaging younger generations.

Understanding Gen Z Communication Through SNL's Hilarious Lens

The SNL skit's success lies in its ability to comedically highlight the significant differences in communication styles between Gen Z and older generations. The skit's humor underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of Gen Z communication for effective political engagement and marketing. To truly connect with this influential demographic, individuals and organizations must learn to speak their language – both literally and figuratively.

Watch the SNL skit [link to video] to see the hilarious portrayal for yourself. By analyzing the communication styles presented, you can begin to improve your Gen Z communication skills and master the art of connecting with this vital audience. Understanding the nuances of Gen Z communication is no longer optional; it's essential for success in today's world.