John Oliver Unveils ‘Secret Weapon’ Versus China: Kenny G
China‘s recent claiming of disputed territories and islands throughout the South China Sea was a topic of concern on Sunday’s Last Week Tonight. The claiming of the islands represents a turf war over shipping lanes with other major nations, with the United States disputing China’s tactics, which prompted one Chinese admiral to threaten war against America. Thankfully, John Oliver has uncovered a “secret weapon” in our war against China: Kenny G.
As Rolling Stone noted in May 2014, the smooth jazz saxophonist’s “Going Home” has become the country’s unofficial anthem for the end of the work day, boosting Kenny G’s popularity in that country (except when he’s posing for photos with Hong Kong protesters). “All I know is when they play this song, it’s quitting time,” Kenny G said of the phenomenon.
“Kenny G is clearly our secret weapon. He has an uncommon ability to make the people of China stop what they’re doing, and go home to relax,” the host said (via Wall Street Journal). “If we could only harness that power of subliminal suggestion for good, we could all live in a slightly safer world.” Oliver then brings out Kenny G, “the future winner of the Noble Peace Prize,” to deliver his “Going Home.”
“I bet you’re feeling more relaxed about the situation right now, aren’t you? And I’ll tell you why you are: Kenny G is pouring liquid velvet in your ears right now,” Oliver said. “No one can start an international incident to this sound.”