Dave Chappelle hosted last night’s ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Like four years ago, it was the first show after the US Presidential Election, and a very funny man who often represents a defacto conscience of the people had the chance to give his funny and extremely real thoughts on the situation.
In his monologue from last night, he noted a reality of comedy and life: he can speak the truth about anything he wants, as long as there is a punchline to go along with it.
When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a stand-up comedian and was always told not to pursue it because my sense of humor was so dry.
What I came to realize much later is that I didn’t want to be a stand-up comedian. I wanted two things: command over audiences and the ability to speak raw truth to those who need to hear it.
That is the gift that Dave Chappelle has. And the gift he gives to us whenever he is booked for a gig.
Do you think I have the chops to give stand-up comedy a go? Let me know at jclevelandpayne@gmail.com.