Funny, not funny
Outrage has erupted over Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix special, The Closer, as he took aim at the alphabet soupers—particularly the T
—and the preferred pronoun poseurs. Verily, the dudgeon, it was high; and the salt, it flowed freely and in abundance. You cannot make fun of the trans, it seems.
It all got a bit stupid. Activists within Netflix invaded a virtual executive meeting, for which they were suspended, then reinstated because they weren't to know that the meeting wasn't for their attendance—yeah, right…so Netflix employs utter morons, is that it? Forgetting that they work in a service industry, Netflix employees threatened a walkout in protest against subscribers' freedom to choose to watch something that they don't approve of. Presumably, Cuties did meet with their approval, because there was no walkout then. Ne'ermind.
Damian Shaw
Into the fray comes lesbian comedian, Hannah Gadsby, who's had her own Netflix specials. The details of how she became embroiled in the brouhaha are too mundane to relate. But what followed, was several people dunking on her, stating that she's not funny. As if there was impartial truth to what is really only opinion.
The problem with such criticisms is that there's no objective measure of funniness. Comedy is subjective, and humour is personal; what one individual finds comical, another doesn't. This explains why Adam Sandler; Melissa McCarthy; Seth Rogen; and Sacha Baron Cohen still have careers. My wife likes Michael McIntyre, as if to prove my point.
Consequently, it's more accurate to say that a particular comedian doesn't appeal to your sense of humour, rather than they're not funny.
Some people find Gadsby hilarious, others don't. Personally, I find her no more, or less, amusing than any other lazily profane comedian, with a predilection for bodily functions; feminist politicking; and making me feel bad for not being a lesbian. But, your mileage, it may vary.
Oh, did I mention that Gadsby's a lesbian? She's tried to keep her sexual orientation private, because it's nobody's concern who she sleeps with. But it just slipped out once, or twice…or every time she's on stage. Chuckletastic. (nosmile)
During a performance since the uproar, and posted to his Instagram account, Chapelle said that he's willing to meet with the transgender community, under three conditions. One being their admission that Hannah Gadsby's not funny.
Bloody well played, sir! (thumbup)