Stand Up Comedy And The Negative Beliefs Of Stand-Up Comedy

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Storytelling has always been a form of entertainment that people have used for centuries now. Stories are often said to strengthen a community and create harmony. They often reflect the beliefs of the people who tell them. As for any story, the popularity of the story depends on whether those listening approve of the values underlying it. By telling and listening to stories, people confirm their ideas about the world around them. Things that people find scary, upsetting or desirable all found their way into the stories because people want to be assured that other people around them are thinking along the same lines (Myths and Legends). There have been many variations of storytelling. There are stories told through drawing, through actions, …show more content…

For many people comedy simply means getting a laugh out of something, but in reality, comedy can be used for more than that. Due to its volatility, stand-up comedy tends to draw criticism for being offensive and for spreading negative stereotypes. This, however, is a sign of social progress because it means that comedians are pushing social boundaries. Stories and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and agreement when they are told on stage (Cohen 2). The fact that the content is sugar-coated in humor makes it easier to digest matters that are often looked at as being taboo. When the audience laughs at such taboo subjects it leads them to seek out and explore those subjects. When thinking about a comedian that talk about controversial topics, one comedian stands out the most in my mind and that is Dave Chappelle. Chappelle used his voice to challenge audiences to see the world from his perspective and discuss the institutional racism that African Americans faced in American society. The Chappelle Show served as a channel for his audience to navigate racism and racial

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