THOUGHTS ON CHAPPELLE ON SNL
The best comedians are those who don’t just tell instantly-forgettable jokes, but leave the audience with something to think about.
Wow, I just watched this clip for the first time. Comedian Dave Chappelle hosted SNL on 11-12-22, and here’s his opening monologue uncut and in full.
Just wow.
Can I say “wow,” one more time?
I’m surprised to not see more posts/comments about this routine, which runs about 15 minutes long and covers lots of controversial territory, and even crushes some taboos. He steps into some really acidic stuff here, but I also admit to finding most of it humorous, and a valid point of view on social norms and pressures.
Generally speaking, I admire edgy comedy. I REALLY REALLY admire courage. The best comedians are those who don’t just tell instantly-forgettable jokes, but leave the audience with something to think about. That said, some of this content is squirm-in-your-seats uncomfortable. I can understand why many would and will be offended by it.
I’m a total defender of all performance art. I never want to see a time or a place where any artist is creatively restrained or intimidated (yes, we’re there already).
[Note: Read my defense of comedian Bill Maher HERE]
I latch onto Chappelle’s defense because I believe in the principle of free speech and artistic expression. But I’m open to listening to others with an alternate point of view.
I’m not trying to stir shit here. I really would like to know readers’ reaction to Chappelle, and specifically this take-no-prisoners performance.
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Note: Here’s an alt. take from NPR (which I strongly disagree with)
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