Comedian Dave Chappelle has always been hard-hitting and critical of the times his living in. The ones who has been following him and his stand-up, his career on TV and so fourth. Knows that this man has no filter. He can use words, describe the reality and be direct about everything between the moon and the nearest McDonald’s. That’s what Dave Chappelle does with a grin on his face.
That is why with the surprise special 8:46 the comedian didn’t only show his skill as comedian. He showed how he could catch the pulse, the nerve and hardbreaking realities of our times. Maybe his not using the stage in a pitch perfect manner. Maybe he didn’t use PG13 words, but he spoke the truth. He broke the peace for a moment to reflect, to inject some words, which more powerful. This is not because of the man he is, but because he can tell a tale. He can narrate and he can explain himself.
The tone was harsh, the way he conducted himself wasn’t as easy nor gibbering like his known for. However, the need for this sombre and the anger expressed is what the world needs to see. They need the voice of reason from a comedian. When the President, when the White House and when the elected leadership cannot offer it. If the comedian had more time, he could have consoled a few souls and helped them to deal with their grief.
There was no time for that. Yes, he pointed out a few people. In my view that was only right for him. As he wanted to address both Don Lemon and Candance Owens. I don’t blame him for that. The stories of how the lives are taken and not counted for, just lost in the waves and the news cycles is more baring of our losses. Of how we as humanity haven’t grasped or seen the devastation and oppression. It have been forgotten as a new victim appear and the former police brutality victim get dim by the hour. This sort of explanation and wording is what we need. We need to be reminded. Not to forget all the ones whose losing their lives, as they are just citizens who meets the hand of injustice.
Dave Chappelle is an OG now. He don’t have to do this. However, he did and used the platform he have to enlighten and to entertain. Even if his voice, his demean or wasn’t his usual self. While I am saying that. I am happy he wasn’t because then it wouldn’t be him. This was genuine, this was all him.
His heart, his way of saying these things. Was just what the world needed. No one else could have dropped this piece, this gem and this sort of surprise to the world. It’s raw, brutal and not for Comedy Central nor HBO. This was direct to DVD, the straight to stream. Where it was intended to be.
Some people are searching for perfection and for the Teleprompter speeches. That’s not real, but a scripted reality. We don’t need that, but we need the raw emotion, the hurt and the anger to see the wrongs of the world. Also to be able to stretch our hands and make a difference together. To get a deeper understanding and a vision of the hurt others have. We cannot get that, unless its told. That’s what happened here and hopefully more people opens their eyes and see it.
This is the sort of reminder, the ones who doesn’t watch news or even understand the deep anger within the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement stems from. Dave Chappelle express it perfectly and to a T. That’s why recommend everyone to watch this piece from him. There wouldn’t be anyone better to say and to address this than him.
Dave Chappelle: Thank You! We needed this. Peace.
MinBane 