Following the backlash he received on social media, I made it a point to watch comedian Dave Chappelle's stand-up specials on Netflix and form my own conclusion. Well, I can now say I've watched all five specials, and am ready to share my thoughts.
The only way we can truly learn from one another is by listening. I don't mean just giving another person the time to speak; hearing the volume of their voice; and preparing ourselves for a memorized response. No, I mean actually listening, and if called upon, responding to what was said. This dialogue can't be one-sided, however. It's much more effective for two people to actively listen to one another and engage in a conversation than it is for one to essentially scold the other. So, while I'll be the first to say Mr. Chappelle and others like him need to listen to their LGBT brothers and sisters, their LGBT brothers and sisters also need to listen to them.
It's quite something. I'm a self-described progressive, and even I am getting sick and tired of the so-called "cancel-culture." While I'll agree hate-speech should not be tolerated, there's a stark difference between hate-speech and comedic curiosity. First of all, artists - including comedians - are paid to continually push the envelope. This is part of their gig. If a joke falls flat, then guess what? They probably won't tell it anymore. If a joke gets called out for going too far, they'll have a decision to make on whether to apologize, revise the joke, toss it, or stick with it. In any case, these people are paid to stimulate laughter, and in some cases, thought. Chappelle falls into both camps, much like George Carlin did. He has a tendency to tackle touchy subjects via approaching them from an angle not typically heard by the general public. If a joke of his makes one feel uncomfortable, that was probably the intent. Dealing with internal discomfort is often a critical means in discovering one's true identity. Sure, it's easier to ignore said discomfort, but when another holds a mirror to our face regarding the subject of this unease, is the onus on their shoulders or our own?
I read and heard all the homophobic, sexist, racist, and especially transphobic accusations hurled at Chappelle since his latest Netflix special - "The Closer" - debuted, yet insisted on watching all five of his performances with an open mind. I recommend everyone do so, because you know what? When I did this and truly listened to what he said, I not only laughed, I learned a thing or two. First of all, I learned that, at least how Chappelle puts it, the black and LGBT communities have seemed to long be at odds with one another because they view the other demographic as impeding on their fight for progress within their own. I had honestly never thought about that previously. It never made sense to me for marginalized communities to not be fully on board with pushing each other's agendas, since they themselves had been marginalized and they, in turn, knew exactly what it was like. Secondly, no matter who a person is or what label he/she possesses, Chappelle's going to tell jokes about them, and not feel an ounce of remorse for doing so. Why? Because if we can't laugh at ourselves during the chaos that is life, we're going to be more miserable than Debbie Downer's sober spirit at her own funeral.
Dave Chappelle is a comedian. He tells jokes. This is what he does. It's what he's always done. If a person doesn't like his style of comedy, don't watch him, but let's not try to cancel a comedian for telling jokes; displaying curiosity and empathy; and attempting to bring people together around the fact that we're all a little f*cked up. Don't read social media, with their out-of-context quotes regarding Chappelle's specials. Watch them; listen; and you may be surprised at the result. If, after you've finished viewing said performances, you feel his stand-ups were offensive, unfunny, and hate-filled, then so be it. But just know it will do little good to cancel comedians, or other artists, for jokes or lyrics which may be deemed offensive by some. They're not writing nor passing laws. If you want to fight for real progress and change, cancel the Republicans in office by voting them out on election day.
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