This viral comedian’s ‘clanker’ skit has ignited debate over robot slurs

A viral sketch by Stanzi Potenza, as well as one by Samuel Jacob, use a ‘Star Wars’–inspired insult for robots. Critics say the jokes echo real-world racism.

A TikTok comedian has sparked debate after riffing on the viral term “clanker,” which in recent months has surfaced as an insult for robots, AI systems, and those who rely on them.