How Far Do We Let This Go?

For some reason I was and am unable to get into the reading, so I just went ahead and did some research about the topic on my own. When looking into what Dave Chappelle has been up to and what the main controversy starters have been. The biggest issue I found and what is making people question canceling Chappelle, were his comments on the LGBTQ+ community. Chappelle was making joke that some thought of as insensitive, for example, “Chappelle’s special has been criticized for his use of ‘graphic transphobic and homophobic language.’” (This Nation, 2021) After actions like this and overall hating on the LGBTQ+ community while pretending to be an ally, the LGBTQ+ community rose and protested in front of Netflix headquarters. This controversy started because Chappelle has been seen in the past as someone who supports those who are oppressed, but it seems that Chappelle’s only care and focus is the black community.

As for canceling Chappelle, I personally do not agree with canceling anyone, as it permanently affects one for their rest of their life. I do believe Chappelle should have been more conscious of what he was saying and should not have taken the jokes so far. Although, I do not think he should be canceled because this type of antagonizing content is not new to Chappelle. Chappelle is known to speak upon topics that make people uncomfortable. I believe the best way to go about this is to take the episodes that were deeply offensive down and give him a slap on the hand. Or Netflix could go one step further and take Chappelle down from Netflix, but I do not think he should be completely “canceled.” The first step is definitely an apology from Chappelle and Netflix too, “The protesters are calling out for the company to repair its relationship with the LGBTQ+ community; they want the company to apologize for releasing this content and invest in queer artists.” (This Nation, 2021).

When I think about other people being canceled, we all probably think about the same person right now. That being Kanye West, who was very recently “canceled” in these past couple weeks, by pretty much everyone. Using Kanye as an example, this is one of the most severe forms of canceling, not only was he banned from Instagram and Twitter, but West was also dropped from all his current and future brand deals. I believe that West being “canceled” is completely valid. West recently has made antisemitism statements and actions. Such as, going against the black community making statements such as racism is real or timely anymore, and that slavery was a choice. West was seen wear shirts that said, “white lives matter.” Although West’s actions and statements have been confusing, they are still not OK. I completely agree with Instagram, Twitter, Adidas and all the other brands that have dropped or banned West. He must face some form of consequence for his recent actions. Although you are famous and have a large following, racism is not allowed or accepted for anyone to use against another being or group.

Sources:

Dave Chappelle's Controversial Special Incites 100-Person Walkout at Netflix HQ, This Nation, This Nation Staff, October 21, 2021, https://www.thisnation.com/politics/people/dave-chappelles-controversial-special-incites-walkout-at-netflix-hq/#:~:text=Chappelle%E2%80%99s%20created%20controversy%20after%20an%20LGBT-hating%20joke%20aired,and%20I%E2%80%99m%20not%20looking%20to%20date%20a%20man.