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Dave Chappelle Punches Up
In his new special, the comedian speaks up and draws the ire of his critics
According to Nietzsche, maximum nihilism is reached in the overthrow of old systems by actions that amount to total destruction; to be nihilistic, one must lack the capacity to go beyond obliteration. This is one interpretation of Nietzsche (a slightly messy one). But at least since Lenny Bruce’s obscenity trial, this has been the role of the comedian: to search, destroy, and savage establishment mores viewed as sacrosanct, usually without concern for collateral damage. The problem is that we’re so polarized today that defining the establishment (especially in comedy) has become a dizzying affair.
For example, is Hannah Gadsby anti-establishment or part of the establishment? Probably both. But if Gadsby went on social media and campaigned against a comedian they found “homophobic” or “transphobic,” they could count on support from the press and influential voices on Twitter. Dave Chappelle has no such influence or capacity for political mobilization, certainly not on social media. While he does carry more influence in comedy clubs and studios, Chappelle cannot launch a campaign that could legitimately threaten Gadsby’s social standing. Chappelle, on the other hand, seems to be one poorly delivered joke or comment away from being boycotted by what…
