Everything about Key and Peele, from the format of the show to the quality of the
show, reminds me of The Dave Chappelle Show.
Although this statement may appear to be an enormous compliment, the comparison
can bring uneasiness as we dig deeper. This is a result of the recognition of
racial comedy and the whirlwind of events that ultimately led to the cancellation
of The Dave Chappelle Show.
The general public is often puzzled by
these events. To better understand Key
and Peele we first must solve this puzzle. Many may believe Dave Chappelle
went crazy, mostly because he abandoned a $50 million contract. However, I
would argue this view is looking at the portrait upside down. When justifying
his race related skits Dave Chappelle stated, “I still think people do have
racial hang-ups, but I think one of the reasons I can joke about it is people
are shedding those racial hatreds.” Yet, this justification only lasted 3
seasons. After the show ended Chappelle explained his true views towards his
comedy show when he claimed, “I was doing sketches that were funny but socially
irresponsible. I felt I was deliberately being encouraged and I was overwhelmed.”
Key
and Peele tackles the
same racial issues as The Chappelle Show.
As a result, they are also in danger of becoming socially irresponsible. In my
opinion, they have not thus far. In fact, they are breaking racial barriers in
the United States through laughter. In Key
and Peele humor is used as a more comfortable way to confront the difficult
issues of everyday life. In racial comedy it is important to confront the
problems, rather than reinforce the stereotypes around them.
This
sketch reminds me of the real life event that took place in Texas as shown in
the video above. It is a disturbing and horrific video. In a perfect world a video
like this would be the foundation for a civil discussion on police brutality. I
don’t have to convince you that we are far from perfect. This is where the real
value of Key and Peele emerges.
Through comedy Key and Peele makes issues such as police brutality more
approachable. This allows sensitive social issues to reach the mainstream that may
otherwise not receive the necessary attention. All the while the show doesn’t sacrifice
their values for humor. This is what separates Key and Peele from The
Chappelle Show. Chappelle allowed humor to become the main objective while
his values withered away. He realized the damage he was causing and canceled
the show. Thankfully for us, Key and Peele have stayed true to their values.
Works Cited
Obama Teaches Malia How to Drive. Dir. Jordan Peele and Kegan M. Key. Perf. Jordan Peele and Kegan
Michael Key. Comedy Central, 2012. Online.
Racist Police Officer Paris Texas Cop Throws
Black Teen on Car Officer Officer Jeremy Massey. YouTube. YouTube, 20 Nov. 2010. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.
Snider, Mike. "USATODAY.com - No Bleep: 'Chappelle's Show' on
DVD." USATODAY.com - No Bleep: 'Chappelle's Show' on DVD. USA
TODAY, 16 Mar. 2004. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.
I personally love Key and Peele and agree full 100% that the show effectively brings up cultural insensitivity in a appropriate manner. I also would like to point out the respect I have for Dave Chappelle. The self respect and self discipline he showed by turning down the huge sum of money because he felt like he was being a negative influence on our culture is astounding.
ReplyDeleteI argee, and think that the way Key and Peele use their comedy to tackle problems such as police brutality and rascism help people talk about the subject, making a sensitive subject much easier to approach.
ReplyDeleteThe most valuable ability of the Key and Peele comedy's has to be incorporation of stereotypes that make the viewer laugh, but also see the underlying issue. Even though the skits confront many issues that some see as very sensitive topic, it allows for the topic to be more confront able by public. Without these skits, it would be very difficult for one to talk about the issue with another. While the viewers may be laughing at the skits, it is also sparking discussions on the reality of the skit without worrying about the awkwardness of the subject.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very strong, narrow argument. You did a good job of clearly stating your opinion and backing it up through a comparison of the two comedic platforms. I think this is very important today: How extreme and almost offensive comedy can be, but it is allowed and even encouraged because it almost hides behind laughter. I have noticed that as well (comedians being offensive for the sake of comedy/their career). I also agree that it can be a problem if it is not monitored closely.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very strong, narrow argument. You did a good job of clearly stating your opinion and backing it up through a comparison of the two comedic platforms. I think this is very important today: How extreme and almost offensive comedy can be, but it is allowed and even encouraged because it almost hides behind laughter. I have noticed that as well (comedians being offensive for the sake of comedy/their career). I also agree that it can be a problem if it is not monitored closely.
ReplyDeleteI agree. This subject is much easier to be discussed when mixed with humor. Dave Chappelle did is as well, but as you said, sort of started to take it a little far. I feel like they also lighten the subject. Very good comparison with solid examples.
ReplyDeleteI will also agree. Humor mixed with race can be uneasy at some times if you lose your values like chappelle did but also it can make confronting the topic more relaxed when you realize that society is breaking barriers and interacting with eachother everyday. Chappelle has a right to feel the way he does but at some point I think he needs to realize that we are all together and not different.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of Key and Peele and I completely agree with what you're saying. The show brings up racial stereotypes much better than other shows. They do it in a way that doesn't overstep social boundaries. Their comedy, while pushing the limit, is tasteful and funny. I love this show and I think you do a great job at portraying what the show is about.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of Key and Peele and I enjoyed your blog's argument. The show does bring up stereotypes related to race but they never forget their place or overstep any touchy boundaries. They do so in much more acceptable ways than in shows like Family Guy. Although they do push the limit on the jokes made about the racial stereotypes, I think you did an awesome job in explaining that their humor and comedy is in good taste.
ReplyDelete