Dave Chappelle says, "Comedians have a responsibility to speak recklessly."

But is he right?

When this Chappelle trailer came out a while back…

…Vulture comedy critic Jesse David Fox and I had an exchange about it (originally published in the Rubesletter)…

Jesse:

In the teaser for the new Chappelle special he says "Comedians have a responsibility to speak recklessly," which I find to be a pretty radical statement. Both how he uses "responsibility" and "recklessly." For context, he goes on to say essentially that sometimes mean things are funny. Now you might say, sure, but also not mean things can be funny. But again he is arguing comedians are obligated to do jokes that are mean. I find this perspective... unique. Do you agree?

I wrote him back:

Personally, I'd reframe as "The best comedians say things others in society believe but are too afraid to say. We are the tightrope walkers; if we don't do it, who else will? Also, be funny 'cuz otherwise that's just a TED talk. And no prob if you disagree and don't wanna watch."

Jesse:

THIS I get. If he said this, I'd be like sure, fine. But "tightrope walking" is very different than MUST BE RECKLESS. And I'm sure you know that. That's why I find his take so wild. It is like comedians MUST find things to be funny about without consideration of the ramifications

Me:

The idea that any artist MUST do anything seems a bit hyperbolic, but perhaps that's the whole point of a rabble-rousing statement like this. There may be differing views of "ramifications" too. I mean, what have been the legit real-world ramifications of his reckless behavior?

Jesse:

Yea, I wanted someone to defend this because I can't figure out what's the idea behind the hyperbole, if it is in DC's case. By ramifications, I meant in how the audience might feel. Like hurt feelings & inspiring people to talk about certain people certain ways. Not punishment

Me:

Re: hurt feelings, I think Mike Birbiglia addressed this well in Thank God For Jokes, explaining how every joke has a target and hurt feelings are somewhat inescapable. Imagine one comedy channel that never hurts feelings and another that allows for 'em...which would you rather watch?

Jesse:

I am not saying comedy shouldn't hurt anyone's feelings, but I guess I'd prefer comedians (when they are filming things; live is another convo) (especially when they have a platform and tremendous influence) to consider that they are, opposed to being reckless, ya know…

i'm not squeamish around what comedians talk about. i just would like them to try harder to write better no matter the area they delve into. and i fear DC has prioritized his responsibility to speak recklessly over everything

See, I think being reckless is kinda great – especially if the ramifications are merely hurt feelings. I’ll take that over, say, the overly polished answers celebs give at press junkets which are so yawn.