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I think we can all agree when I say that The Office is one of the most hilariously cringe-worthy TV shows in history, right? I mean, if you can find a show with something more mortifying than Scott’s Tots, let me know.
And because I enjoy visiting my old faves (who doesn’t?), I recently found myself watching this near and dear NBC comedy for the fifth (maybe sixth?) time. The nostalgic theme song graced my ears like my favorite lullaby, I was eager to watch the gang’s adventures… But something this time around felt very different. As I rewatched this dearly beloved sitcom I noticed that I didn’t find it nearly as funny as I used to.
Over a decade has passed since The Office first aired and it only makes sense that humor has changed along with the world around us. But in today’s politically and socially charged climate, Michael Scott’s blatant misogyny, homophobia, and racism come off worse than ever. There’s no doubt that this show has some seriously funny moments (Dwight faking an office fire, anyone?) but let’s take a second to remember some of the series’ painfully problematic episodes.
“Women’s Appreciation” (Season 3, Episode 21)
“Women’s Appreciation” is the episode where Phyllis gets flashed in the parking lot. In an attempt to be funny, Michael makes the day even worse by pretending to flash his staff with his finger in his pants. In an aim to save face, it is also the episode where Michael takes the ladies of the office to Victoria’s Secret. I don’t know about you but I’d be pretty cringed out if my manager treated me and my female coworkers to lingerie.
“Benihana Christmas” (Season 3, Episode 10)
This list could not be complete without mentioning one of the series’ many Christmas specials. In terms of being problematic, “Benihana Christmas” comes to mind mainly because Michael (are we surprised?) can’t remember which Benihana waitress was supposed to be his “new girlfriend.” He literally looks at the two women and can’t tell them apart. What’s even worse is that Michael marks his waitress with a sharpie so he can recognize her.
“Sexual Harassment” (Season 2, Episode 2)
In “Sexual Harassment,” we get the privilege of meeting Michael’s offensively crude best friend Todd Packer (David Koechner). After many uncomfortable jokes made by Packer about the former CFO’s sexual misconduct allegations, Toby (Paul Lieberstein) reiterates Dunder Mifflin’s sexual harassment policies. Unsurprisingly, Michael’s biggest concern is that he won’t be able to be friends with his employees or make a dirty joke ever again (which TBH wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world). But Michael Scott mentioning that he worries about “getting a boner” when he’s around Phyllis is by far, the most cringe-worthy moment in this episode.
“Gay Witch Hunt” (Season 3, Episode 1)
This is the episode where we find out that Oscar is gay. Because Michael has such a unwieldy way with words, he accidentally outs Oscar in front of the entire staff. Then to prove he supports Oscar’s sexuality, Michael kisses Oscar against his will. It’s a cringey moment for all parties involved. Had this episode come out in 2018, I can promise you that the audience would go ballistic. Prematurely outing Oscar to the rest of office probably wasn’t the greatest move on Michael’s part. But let’s get another thing straight: nobody should be kissing anyone without their consent 一 even if it’s only to prove a point.
“Diversity Day” (Season 1, Episode 2)
Finally, we have the king of the cringe, “Diversity Day.” In the episode, we learn that corporate has sent over a speaker to hold a meeting regarding diversity after a very negative response over Michael’s imitation of Chris Rock’s routine (you know which one). And because Michael Scott is who he is, he holds his own diversity training session, which gets a tad bit out of hand. Michael’s meeting ends up being so racist that I can’t believe anyone ever thought this episode was funny. Undoubtedly, Michael Scott is the worst person to lead a meeting on diversity even if he is “two-fifteenths Native American.”
