Only eighteen days after George Floyd’s tragic murder, Dave Chappelle dropped an emotional, angry, heartfelt tribute to him and all other victims of police violence. It was a 30-minute “comedy” special uploaded entirely to YouTube. Clad in all-black with a cigarette in one hand and the microphone in the other, he appeared like we’ve never seen him before: solemn and non-comedian-like. Titled “8:46,” it reflected the time the police officer had his knees on George Floyd’s neck, 8 minutes and 46 seconds. In it, Chappelle detailed the two reasons that drove him into making the special: public pressure and seeing himself in the victims.
He recalled that, shortly after watching the George Floyd video, he stumbled upon a CNN broadcast of Don Lemon’s show, CNN Tonight. In that particular viewing, Don Lemon expressed anger and disapproval over the silence of many black celebrities; like Jay Z, Beyonce, and, of course, Dave Chappelle. That duly irritated him. Why should he comment on George Floyd’s death? Why should people even listen to him? Who in their right mind would sit on the edge of their seat anticipating what a comedian would think about a tragedy of this kind? What would his words do?
This man [Derek Chauvin] kneeled on a man’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Can you imagine that?
– Dave Chappelle
At first, Dave put off watching the video. He knew that when he would, the image wouldn’t get out of his head. But then, after reading more about the incident, he realized that the time the police officer had his knee on George Floyd’s neck matched a special number on his birth certificate, his time of birth: 8:46 am. That really spoke to him. Another eerie connection he found with yet another police officer killing of an unarmed black man was even more chilling. Chappelle got pulled over by an officer in Beavercreek, Ohio, for speeding. He luckily managed to get off with only a warning. The very next day, that same officer shot an unarmed black man in a Walmart for carrying a toy gun.
All throughout the special, Chappelle expressed strong emotion. He yelled, teared up, cursed, and even used obscene words to describe political commentators that played down all these tragedies. Aside from the few scripted jokes he jotted down on that notebook, sitting on that stool, everything he said sounded like it came straight from his heart and mind.
Here is the full special on YouTube below:
What do you guys think? Should comedians venture out of the world of comedy and talk about serious topics like these? Or about politics? Do you even care?
One of the world’s first instances of comedy were the comic dramas of Aristophanes, deemed “The Father of Comedy.” Most of his comedies were inspired by real-life events and people. He mocked the Athenian elite with political satires and made his audience think while they laughed. How much has comedy changed since then?
You raise great questions! I never really thought about the jurisdiction of artists, like Dave Chapelle. But isn’t art, in a way, political? To tie to a theater course I’m taking, the book we’re reading looks at all aspects of theater and the arts. In one part, the authors look at the difference between art and entertainment. One of the differences is that artists, rather than entertainers, are “political” beings, meaning they have something to say and will manipulate the tools and mediums they have to carry their message through. Dave Chapelle, is an entertainer and an artist. He makes you feel good, but also makes you think. I like that. I think he has the right to do that. Anyone can speak out about societal issues, and he’s done it in a healthy way, unlike others who might resort to crime and other bad behaviors. There’s nothing wrong with anyone speaking out. We can all give ourselves a voice.
Similar to Chapelle’s situation, you might be interested in doing some research on J.K. Rowling and her involvement with politics and society. Many accuse her of stepping over her jurisdiction, but she argues that she has the right to do so.
I feel like comedians, artists, actors, and anyone else really should and can involve themselves in more serious and significant topics. In this case, it is clear that George Floyd’s death could have influenced Chapelle’s special youtube feature due to the fact that he is also a part of the black community. Therefore, he is understanding and sympathetic to the issues and discrimination that they are prone to facing as a result of having darker skin. I find it interesting when artists speak out and voice their personal opinions on any topic, any and every voice matters as they have the ability to raise awareness, influence change and make even the slightest difference. On the other hand, you pointed out that high profile celebrities did not go the extra mile to address the tragic death of George Floyd, which resulted in public backlash. The expectancy that people have of celebrities to speak out proves and highlights that perhaps artists and celebrities alike have some sort of duty or obligation in such scenarios as they have power and the potential to push for change.