Over the years the representation of black people in the mainstream media has changed multiple times. In some ways these people have been abused, attacked, judged, harassed and defamed. Sadly, the media is still adjusting to treating everyone equally when telling stories. The mainstream media should be a place of truth and information. But being a journalism major and being familiar with the media, I know that this is not the truth about mainstream media. Specifically, black people in the media are seen as the bad guy and the problems. Therefore, it is important for people like Dave Chappelle to speak about the touchy subjects that no one likes to talk about.
Dave Chappelle is a 49-year-old comedian. Chappelle began performing as a part in the mainstream media in 2004. Throughout the years Chappelle has discussed the different social injustices and issues within our society. The controversial topics Chappelle has talked about during his standups include, the Johnson and Johnson Vaccine, the definition of a feminist, the intersection of race and LGBTQ, what to do with DaBaby, cancel culture, performance activists, getting COVID-19, the intersection of race and feminism, the use of pronouns and Chappelle’s dear friend Daphne. Many people of generation Z do not understand Chappelle’s style of informing. Personally, I think that Chappelle’s form is the way that we need to understand the severity.
Furthermore, black people have been and continue to be suppressed. Previously the media lacked the truth about the abuse on black people. Only until recently has there been coverage of what truly happens. George Floyd, the young man who was killed on the side of the street. Until Floyd the media did not always cover the tragic stories of black people who have been abused. This is what Chappelle talks about in his standup video that we watched. Chappelle said, “This man kneeled on a man’s neck for eight minutes and forty-six seconds, can you imagine that?” (YouTube) Before watching Chappelle’s video, I had no idea how long the incident with Floyd was. This made me begin to cry when watching the video of Chappelle and seeing is passion.
Most standup comedians only talk about the funny things going on and the inconveniences in life. This is extremely like the mainstream media; they do not like to talk about the harsh truths. Accept when it affects them, like the police situation when a group of black men attack police officers. Dave Chappelle said, “And you know why 400 cops showed up? Because one of their own was murdered. So how the fuck can’t they understand what’s going on in these streets?” (YouTube) This is completely valid; the media should not question or shame people for finally standing up for the suppressed. Chappelle stands up for the suppressed and he stands up for black people.
Although some people of the media think Chappelle only cares about back people’s suffering. From the reading, “Deggans claims that Chappelle treats the black experience as the end-all of suffering and often brushes the suffering of others to the side.” (BuzzFeed) I do not think this is true. This is part of the big controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle, people believe he does not care about other movements. I do not think Chappelle doesn’t care about other movements, I think he just sees more of the importance in continuously talking about black people and why black lives matter.
Because though we have tried to come back from our original sins time and time again, black people are still being abused and mistreated. Although the LGBTQ community has had it rough, you cannot compare that struggle to being black and being enslaved in the past. Chappelle also touches on how people do not realize still how recent slavery was. William David Chappelle, Chappelle’s grandfather was a slave since birth. These brutal times are not that far off from us today. This is also why Chappelle finds it so important to continue to speak out about and for black people. The fight is not yet over. You cannot follow the ignorant thought that slavery and mistreatment of black people was so long ago.
So where should the media take blackness and how should black people be represented in the mainstream media? In class we talk about how race is not just a biological attribute it is performative act and representation, now how this should be expressed is with support and proudness. My coworker and I have agreement within a conversation about the topic and we both believe that no longer should black people be referred to as thugs, gangs, druggies, threats or hostile in the media. Almost every article you see about a black man involved in an incident, he is described as a thug. Sidenote, this is one of the big reasons I did not agree with or enjoy Trump’s presidency. Like Hispanic, Native American and Asian people, black people and people of color as whole should not be represented in any other light that is different than those who are “white.” Society is try to heal and get past our shameful pasts, why can’t the mainstream media?
“Here Are the Controversial Issues Dave Chappelle Talks About in His New Special,” Published on BuzzFeed on Oct 5, 2021, https://www.buzzfeed.com/karltonjahmal/dave-chappelle-nails-american-social-issues-the-closer
8:46, Dave Chappelle, YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tR6mKcBbT4
Hi Regan, I liked the avenue you took in writing your response. Juxtaposing Chappelle´s comedy alongside journalism was incredibly effective--when I wrote my piece I was pulled toward programmed television and film (sitcoms, shows, etc), but your reflection focuses on economies of information and affect-- and is super effective in demonstrating how black individuals are racialized and abused by news coverage. Your understanding of journalism really shines!
Yes, the media still has a long way to go when it comes to adjusting and treating ALL people equally. People misunderstand Dave's intent, but what he wants is equal importance to ALL minority groups. And yes, we should stop labeling because of race/color of their skin. Good job Regan!
Regan, I thought your analysis of Dave Chapelle and his provocative comedy was right on the nose. I agree that when it comes to talking about matters of such severity the comedy should be allowed to reflect that same level of intensity. Understandably, Chapelle has ruffled many feathers, but I agree that in many cases this is warranted. Like you said, his close connection to familial slavery is a big part of why he is so adamant about talking about the black experience in America.