Brilliantly done. I remember Dave Chappelle’s show had these supposedly clever bits where he was a blind Black man wearing a Klansman hood using the n word cursing Black Folx, or the basketball skit with Prince where they’re in heels 👠 playing basketball with Prince- making fun of trans 🏳️⚧️ Folx. Or his rant against Jussie Smollett, relishing that it was a false report just like Sir Matthew Hale’s decree that women who reported being raped were all lying and should be disbelieved. Or when in his George Floyd bit which was brilliant in many ways he threatened to kick Candice Owens in her stanky ass pussy, flagrant misogyny. Poor Dave.
Great Great observation...I like to believe and trust in human recognition of authenticity and although some of the withdrawal of public favour is probably driven by sheep like behavior, the voices of those who speak up and withdraw their attention are not and as you say they represent the victims who are so focused on survival they just do not have a voice . Bravo on you for articulating this.
"and those who are accountable to people have moved on" - this is the part i couldn't ever understand. like, why you still telling the same tired jokes?!
Over time, I've developed a list of personal rules of engagement. One of them is to quote people directly or describe actions accurately, then clearly address what they did or said. This helps me avoid making unfounded assumptions, keeps the communication transparent, helps me avoid logical fallacies, and helps others to follow the conversation.
This essay is missing that crucial ingredient. When you accuse someone of causing harm, it's imperative that you explain that harm. What was said or done, and why was it harmful? How can the harm be properly addressed and rectified if it were never identified? In a best-case scenario, if Dave Chappelle became aware of the harm that he had caused, then he would apologize. But what would he be apologizing for? This is why clearly explaining the offense is so important. Without this, how can he be held accountable?
But in this entire essay, there's not a single explanation of any action Dave Chappelle took or anything he said that caused harm. Not a single quote. I read the article twice to be sure.
I will follow my own advice and quote you. You said, "You are causing harm." Could you clearly identify the harm?
You also said, "Here’s where you say the quiet thing a little too loudly. Or you just keep saying it like you always have..." But again, I kept reading to see what Chappelle said too loudly, and it's never identified.
You also said in Stage 4, "Oh no, you've been called out!" But who called Chappelle out? And what was he called out for? Again, there's no indication of what he did that was "harmful."
Then you say, "Just yesterday, everybody loved you. Now, everybody is calling you 'trash.'" Maybe this is just hyperbole, but "everybody" is not calling Chappelle trash. Some notable people are saying that his bit was funny. Some thought it was refreshing. I personally agreed with much of it and found the jokes appropriate and thoughtful. I also understand that comedians play to current troupes -- which can be off putting, yes. And if you don’t understand this aspect of the art, then I can see how it could be infuriating. Just last week, I found myself writing a letter to an animator about their “black” jokes that always play on negative racial troupes. But I didn’t accuse those writers of being racist, or question their humility or emotional intelligence. It’s obvious that they were playing to culture. Regardless, I pointed out specific jokes and how they reinforced stereotypes that have caused real harm in my own life.
But it gets worse. According to this essay, there is no path to redemption. You write, "There is no path back. Not one that’s clearly laid out. The only paths back require humility and emotional intelligence and the foundation of a strong relationship with those you’ve harmed. You have none of those things." So in other words, Dave Chappelle has no humility, no emotional intelligence, and no strong relationships with any of those he has "harmed." Since you haven't identified who he harmed or how he harmed them, I must deduce from your opening thesis that you are referring to the Jewish community. Are you claiming that Dave Chappelle has no strong relationships with any Jewish people? I’m not sure what to make of this statement.
You further drive that nail in as you reiterate, "There is no way back for you." I'm sorry, but I happen to believe in redemption. It's one of my driving beliefs, that people can learn and become aware of things they do that are harmful, and make efforts to redeem themselves. After all, we are all human and we've all harmed others. Are you really so cynical that you believe Dave Chappelle is irredeemable? That there is no path back?
Another observation: you paint Chappelle as someone who believes he "gets it" or is a "rebel." You end with the statement, "You are the rebel now. You are counterculture. You are still a genius." But I've never gotten the vibe from Chappelle that he views himself this way. I've gotten that vibe from Kanye plenty of times, but never from Chappelle. Can you explain why this portrayal of him is anything more than your personal opinion? It feels like you're attacking a strawman. Without more context, these claims seem like unfounded assumptions or a personal grudge. And for someone like me, who doesn’t follow every aspect of Chappelle’s career -- it would really help if you could explain objectively what he has done wrong, or why it is appropriate to lump him in with people making outrageously hateful statements like Kanye.
To be clear, I'm not here to defend Chappelle. I'm here to defend rational public engagement. It deeply troubles me when people are accused of 6 stages of the “Trajectory of a Rebel,” when those accusations are undefined, with no actions explained or described.
And yes, it is the duty of the accuser to explain or describe what they are accusing someone of. You can't just go to the police and say "Arrest that man!" You have to tell them why. If he raped you, explain that. If he stole from you or abused you, then explain that. Clear language and identification of negative behaviors is absolutely crucial, but there is none in this essay. Perhaps it is assumed that all readers are tuned in to the same media sources as you. Or perhaps this was only meant for those who follow pop culture. Or perhaps this is just an emotional rant. You did admit, “I’m going to try to write out what I see happening really just to get it out of my head so I can get back to my life.” Based on your words, it seems this essay is an emotional release. Not an attempt at accuracy, fairness, or objective thought.
Finally, you do ask one very important question in your opening: “Why does it seem like these last few years we’ve seen an increase in this turn toward a boasting, gleeful offensiveness?” I believe that the underlying reasons have little to do with celebrities, but celebrities are impacted just as everyone else. They just get a big spotlight. Most of these celebrities are reacting to these thoughts and ideas, after all. Very few celebrities are actually the sources of these bigoted ideas and hateful ideologies -- even when they get trapped or deluded by them.
I apologize for the lengthy comment, but I’m making an effort to be both thoughtful and thorough out of respect for you and your readers.
There is no such thing as being canceled. There are just dumb people... People who search for a reason to thrive on negativity and bitch like they are a part of something like a movement. Losers. This entire article is just someone bitching... who can't handle the fact that Dave and other artists have zero responsibility to others. Get over it! He is an individual. He does not have to censor his art because you don't like it. If you don't see the human in Dave you are so blind. If you don't see his morals you are so insanely blind. Just because his beliefs are different from yours you the petty person that you are try to take him down like some self ritious hero... frig off! Lol 😆 ...you are sad and also so caught up in sniffing your own facts that you can't see the bigger picture. Take your feelings and pack em up and take them to your therapist... someone who cares... someone who is paid to see through your bullshit... cuz clearly... you are looking through so much bullshit in your head that you can't even see the basics. You can't see the MAN that is human that you are attacking for expressing himself through art... making your own insecurities and jealousy more important than a man's life and career reputation for running a smear campaign and GETTING PAID FOR IT!! FOR YOUR PERSONAL ARTICLE... THAT PEOPLE CAN PUT ADS ON... AND SUBSCRIBE TO... AND CREATE REVENUE... FOR YOU... PERSONALLY... 🙃🙄🤡🤮☠️🕳👀 HYPOCRITE.
Yes, so on point! I imagine you've lived through a couple of these stages yourself - not the being offensive part, but the increasing insulation of success - and you are clear-eyed about it. And you're actually using it for accountability. A few months ago you wrote about being the only Black attendee at a conference who was free to call out the pervasive racism, because everyone else was attending for work and had to be mindful of their organization's reputation.
Would love to hear more about how you stay in relationship and puncture that insulation as you've become better known and told more often that you're a genius. (Which you totally are! )
Came here via a different post, and though Dave Chapelle is an obvious fit for this topic, the other person who immediately sprang to mind for me (along with many others) has the initials JKR.
This is food for my soul. How could I be mad about Twitter when we get more content like this?!
I love the voice you write with, and the craft of storytelling you have honed to convey your wise point of view.
Brilliantly done. I remember Dave Chappelle’s show had these supposedly clever bits where he was a blind Black man wearing a Klansman hood using the n word cursing Black Folx, or the basketball skit with Prince where they’re in heels 👠 playing basketball with Prince- making fun of trans 🏳️⚧️ Folx. Or his rant against Jussie Smollett, relishing that it was a false report just like Sir Matthew Hale’s decree that women who reported being raped were all lying and should be disbelieved. Or when in his George Floyd bit which was brilliant in many ways he threatened to kick Candice Owens in her stanky ass pussy, flagrant misogyny. Poor Dave.
Wow. Some of these comments are....whew.
I really liked this piece and I appreciate you. Thank you! 💜
You are so fucking smart!!! Everything I've been trying to put into words, you've done. Thank you!!!!
Great Great observation...I like to believe and trust in human recognition of authenticity and although some of the withdrawal of public favour is probably driven by sheep like behavior, the voices of those who speak up and withdraw their attention are not and as you say they represent the victims who are so focused on survival they just do not have a voice . Bravo on you for articulating this.
"and those who are accountable to people have moved on" - this is the part i couldn't ever understand. like, why you still telling the same tired jokes?!
Hi Ijeoma,
Over time, I've developed a list of personal rules of engagement. One of them is to quote people directly or describe actions accurately, then clearly address what they did or said. This helps me avoid making unfounded assumptions, keeps the communication transparent, helps me avoid logical fallacies, and helps others to follow the conversation.
This essay is missing that crucial ingredient. When you accuse someone of causing harm, it's imperative that you explain that harm. What was said or done, and why was it harmful? How can the harm be properly addressed and rectified if it were never identified? In a best-case scenario, if Dave Chappelle became aware of the harm that he had caused, then he would apologize. But what would he be apologizing for? This is why clearly explaining the offense is so important. Without this, how can he be held accountable?
But in this entire essay, there's not a single explanation of any action Dave Chappelle took or anything he said that caused harm. Not a single quote. I read the article twice to be sure.
I will follow my own advice and quote you. You said, "You are causing harm." Could you clearly identify the harm?
You also said, "Here’s where you say the quiet thing a little too loudly. Or you just keep saying it like you always have..." But again, I kept reading to see what Chappelle said too loudly, and it's never identified.
You also said in Stage 4, "Oh no, you've been called out!" But who called Chappelle out? And what was he called out for? Again, there's no indication of what he did that was "harmful."
Then you say, "Just yesterday, everybody loved you. Now, everybody is calling you 'trash.'" Maybe this is just hyperbole, but "everybody" is not calling Chappelle trash. Some notable people are saying that his bit was funny. Some thought it was refreshing. I personally agreed with much of it and found the jokes appropriate and thoughtful. I also understand that comedians play to current troupes -- which can be off putting, yes. And if you don’t understand this aspect of the art, then I can see how it could be infuriating. Just last week, I found myself writing a letter to an animator about their “black” jokes that always play on negative racial troupes. But I didn’t accuse those writers of being racist, or question their humility or emotional intelligence. It’s obvious that they were playing to culture. Regardless, I pointed out specific jokes and how they reinforced stereotypes that have caused real harm in my own life.
But it gets worse. According to this essay, there is no path to redemption. You write, "There is no path back. Not one that’s clearly laid out. The only paths back require humility and emotional intelligence and the foundation of a strong relationship with those you’ve harmed. You have none of those things." So in other words, Dave Chappelle has no humility, no emotional intelligence, and no strong relationships with any of those he has "harmed." Since you haven't identified who he harmed or how he harmed them, I must deduce from your opening thesis that you are referring to the Jewish community. Are you claiming that Dave Chappelle has no strong relationships with any Jewish people? I’m not sure what to make of this statement.
You further drive that nail in as you reiterate, "There is no way back for you." I'm sorry, but I happen to believe in redemption. It's one of my driving beliefs, that people can learn and become aware of things they do that are harmful, and make efforts to redeem themselves. After all, we are all human and we've all harmed others. Are you really so cynical that you believe Dave Chappelle is irredeemable? That there is no path back?
Another observation: you paint Chappelle as someone who believes he "gets it" or is a "rebel." You end with the statement, "You are the rebel now. You are counterculture. You are still a genius." But I've never gotten the vibe from Chappelle that he views himself this way. I've gotten that vibe from Kanye plenty of times, but never from Chappelle. Can you explain why this portrayal of him is anything more than your personal opinion? It feels like you're attacking a strawman. Without more context, these claims seem like unfounded assumptions or a personal grudge. And for someone like me, who doesn’t follow every aspect of Chappelle’s career -- it would really help if you could explain objectively what he has done wrong, or why it is appropriate to lump him in with people making outrageously hateful statements like Kanye.
To be clear, I'm not here to defend Chappelle. I'm here to defend rational public engagement. It deeply troubles me when people are accused of 6 stages of the “Trajectory of a Rebel,” when those accusations are undefined, with no actions explained or described.
And yes, it is the duty of the accuser to explain or describe what they are accusing someone of. You can't just go to the police and say "Arrest that man!" You have to tell them why. If he raped you, explain that. If he stole from you or abused you, then explain that. Clear language and identification of negative behaviors is absolutely crucial, but there is none in this essay. Perhaps it is assumed that all readers are tuned in to the same media sources as you. Or perhaps this was only meant for those who follow pop culture. Or perhaps this is just an emotional rant. You did admit, “I’m going to try to write out what I see happening really just to get it out of my head so I can get back to my life.” Based on your words, it seems this essay is an emotional release. Not an attempt at accuracy, fairness, or objective thought.
Finally, you do ask one very important question in your opening: “Why does it seem like these last few years we’ve seen an increase in this turn toward a boasting, gleeful offensiveness?” I believe that the underlying reasons have little to do with celebrities, but celebrities are impacted just as everyone else. They just get a big spotlight. Most of these celebrities are reacting to these thoughts and ideas, after all. Very few celebrities are actually the sources of these bigoted ideas and hateful ideologies -- even when they get trapped or deluded by them.
I apologize for the lengthy comment, but I’m making an effort to be both thoughtful and thorough out of respect for you and your readers.
There is no such thing as being canceled. There are just dumb people... People who search for a reason to thrive on negativity and bitch like they are a part of something like a movement. Losers. This entire article is just someone bitching... who can't handle the fact that Dave and other artists have zero responsibility to others. Get over it! He is an individual. He does not have to censor his art because you don't like it. If you don't see the human in Dave you are so blind. If you don't see his morals you are so insanely blind. Just because his beliefs are different from yours you the petty person that you are try to take him down like some self ritious hero... frig off! Lol 😆 ...you are sad and also so caught up in sniffing your own facts that you can't see the bigger picture. Take your feelings and pack em up and take them to your therapist... someone who cares... someone who is paid to see through your bullshit... cuz clearly... you are looking through so much bullshit in your head that you can't even see the basics. You can't see the MAN that is human that you are attacking for expressing himself through art... making your own insecurities and jealousy more important than a man's life and career reputation for running a smear campaign and GETTING PAID FOR IT!! FOR YOUR PERSONAL ARTICLE... THAT PEOPLE CAN PUT ADS ON... AND SUBSCRIBE TO... AND CREATE REVENUE... FOR YOU... PERSONALLY... 🙃🙄🤡🤮☠️🕳👀 HYPOCRITE.
Yes, so on point! I imagine you've lived through a couple of these stages yourself - not the being offensive part, but the increasing insulation of success - and you are clear-eyed about it. And you're actually using it for accountability. A few months ago you wrote about being the only Black attendee at a conference who was free to call out the pervasive racism, because everyone else was attending for work and had to be mindful of their organization's reputation.
Would love to hear more about how you stay in relationship and puncture that insulation as you've become better known and told more often that you're a genius. (Which you totally are! )
Thanks for this thoughtful essay.
Ooooh I am going to re-read this read.
Came here via a different post, and though Dave Chapelle is an obvious fit for this topic, the other person who immediately sprang to mind for me (along with many others) has the initials JKR.
This is so so good.
Now THIS is genius.
Once again, you brilliantly voice what I only shallowly thought to myself. Thank you - this is IT!