Antoine Davis: Chappelle just doing his job making his fans laugh

BY ANTOINE DAVIS / VN STAFF WRITER

Comedian Dave Chappelle, Netflix and the trans community do not have much in common to the naked eye, but the three are linked in some serious controversy lately.

It all began with Chappelle’s latest stand-up special on Netflix.

Chappelle makes several jokes about transgender people in “The Closer,” which began running Oct. 5.

The LGBTQ+ community has come down hard lately on both the comedian and the streaming service.

Netflix even saw some of its employees walk out on the job to protest Chappelle’s show and to support their trans co-workers.

Chappelle has never been shy about tackling controversial topics or groups in his stand up.

Should comedians fall prey to political correctness?

I say no.

This is why we have comedians.

Their ability to make us laugh at ourselves, regardless of race, creed, religion or sexual orientation, is their greatest asset.

Those who think they might find something in a comedian’s show offensive should skip shows like Chappelle’s.

Chappelle is really funny, but the language, topics and delivery might be too much for some.

Comedy is an acquired taste, especially today, where everyone is overly sensitive about “hot button” issues.

“Hot button” is a euphemism for stuff we do not think should be discussed in public.

Chappelle has agreed to discuss his views with the LGBTQ+ community.

He also made it clear that regardless of what is said in the meeting, he owns his opinions and is unapologetic for them.

Here are my last thoughts.

If you go into watching Chappelle’s recent special with an open mind, you may be able to just relax, watch and have a good laugh.

But if you watch it with your mind already made up, you will not find it funny.

As I said earlier, it is not for the faint at heart.

I will leave it up to you, but remember it is supposed to be funny, and everything does not have to be a “hot button” issue.