Dave Chapelle is a case in point. He's only been in a handful of films, most notably the cult-classic "Half Baked," but his "average Joe" jocularity has earned him a devoted fan base and a new series on Comedy Central, aptly titled "Chapelle's Show."
To characterize Chapelle's material as racially charged would be a gross understatement. Just about everything that his new show deals with is colored-pardon the pun-by the comedian's stereotypically African-American perspective, and that's what makes it so funny. At the beginning of the second episode, Chapelle, while standing in front of a nightclub audience, vehemently asserts that the only way people will truly accept what he has to say is if it comes out of the mouth of a "pretty white girl."
Immediately following these statements, a young, elegantly dressed white female walks out on stage and volunteers to sing Chapelle's thoughts as he writes them down on small pieces of paper. What then ensues is a hilarious take on what supposedly runs through the minds of black men in America, from radical conspiracy theories to various sexual fantasies. Even though it's somewhat incendiary, one can't help but laugh, considering that part of the routine is rooted in truth while the rest is just downright silly.
The show's funniest racially themed skit revolves around a character named Clayton Bigsby, a blind white supremacist who is unaware that he is actually black. Some might be put off by the fact that the sketch makes use of the word "nigger" multiple times, but more good-humored viewers will laugh uproariously at the sight and sound of the decidedly African-American Chapelle disparaging people of color in a thick country accent. The idea itself warrants respect on the grounds of sheer creativity.
In addition to racism, the show also attempts to humorously tackle misogyny. It becomes clear after the first episode that Chapelle isn't afraid of being viewed as lecherous and shallow. The word "bitch" casually flows from his mouth, and he unabashedly makes light of seemingly serious issues, particularly the objectification of women.
In the show's funniest moment so far, Chapelle sardonically attempts to show that the unfavorable portrayal of women predates hip-hop. In a black-and-white recreation of "The Nat King Cole Show," Chapelle, playing the famous singer, cusses up a storm and pours champagne on his female guest. Clearly, the spectacle is nothing more than a satirical take on modern-day rap videos that will evoke laughter from anyone who knows how to take a joke.
The only problem with "Chapelle's Show" is its potential for divisiveness. Whereas some people might see the show as progressive and intelligent, others are bound to be repulsed by the show's racial insensitivity.
Still, even if you don't find the various sketches exceptionally amusing, there's a certain level of entertainment to be derived from anticipating exactly how far "Chapelle's Show" will go. At first, it's a little awkward and quite surprising to hear the words "nigger" and "bitch" used so freely on television. But, then again, Comedy Central is known for pushing the envelope when it comes to censorship. In a manner similar to that of "South Park," a lot of the discomfort aroused by the show's language is mitigated by its comical framework.
Chapelle doesn't single out any particular ethnic group for ridicule, he simply attacks them all, playing upon a wide variety of stereotypes. The result is an ultimately benign look at preconceived notions of race that encourages people to lighten up and have a good laugh.