It’s official. Raven-Symoné’s unique brand of logic and reasoning will be a permanent part of ABC’s daytime talk show The View. The actress, who first joined the cast as a guest host, in March of this year, has caused quite a bit of controversy during her time on the show. She famously defended Univision host Rodner Figueroa after he joked that First Lady Michelle Obama looks like an ape. And she also opposed putting Harriet Tubman on the $20.00 bill. But no matter what you think of her, you have to admit that Raven-Symoné’s endless list of side-eye-worthy comments and ahistorical analysis brought a much needed bolt of life into the show.
The show, which first aired in 2007, thrived on the conflict between it’s conservative and more liberal co-hosts. Over the years, the passionate arguments and awkward moments between core hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and Rosie O’Donnell have been blog fodder gold. Hasselbeck’s conservatism played against O’Donnell’s liberal convictions and strong-willed personality. Goldberg’s often absurdist brand of Libertarianism helped even things out, while still causing some serious, “what did she just say?” moments. When celebrity guests came into the mix, things got even more interesting. Odds are, even if you aren’t home when the show airs you’ve probably watched a clip of one of the many heated or controversial debates that have taken place on the show over the years.
The show has faltered since its early aughts heyday. Constant switch-ups in the hosting chairs and the departure of head host and moderator, of sorts, Barbara Walters have resulted in waning popularity for The View. Since Raven-Symoné joined the cast as a guest back in March, in just 3 months, the show has become of the talk of the blogosphere, so it should come as no surprise that she was offered a permanent spot.
Raven-Symoné’s seemingly stream-of-consciousness brand of reasoning when it comes to issues of race plays out perfectly against co-host Rosie Perez’s commentary. Perez is not just an actress, but also an activist who actively campaigned for President Obama and supports many Latino and HIV/AIDS causes in New York City.
Regardless of what some might think about Raven-Symoné’s discourse on race and politics in America, folks can’t help but offer an opinion on her opinions. So I say bring on the Raven, I’ll have the gifs and the side-eyes ready.