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Daves back, yall.
In it, he trods familiar, edgy territory, but hes more defiant about it this time.
Hes proud ofhis trans jokes, dismissive of cancel culture, and defensive of celebrity status.
Why does Chappelle seem so out of touch?
Hes not even that old he just turned 46 on August 24.
His chest hair is probably only now starting to gray.
My friend recently mentioned on Twitter her surprise at Chappelles age.
This highly scientific theory is based on me my favorite test subject.
This is not a defense or endorsement of Chappelle.
Its just … man, the 40s are such a forgotten age, yknow?
Nobody wants to answer your questions; they just keep telling you to do your Googles.
and everyone will think,Whoa, has this clueless old man been here the whole time?
(It also doesnt only happen to men, Hollywood, but we aint got time for that.)
Look at the pro-choice bumper stickers on my Honda Prelude!
Look at my STR8 BUT NOT NARROW T-shirt!
What happened to just gay?
Perhaps thats why its surprising to hear Chappelle today.
Were used to Dave deftly walking us through minefields, with heart and humor.
The defensiveness makes him seem crotchety.
And maybe he is.
But I also understand where its coming from.
I turn those ornery moments into material.
Full disclosure: I honestly thought the office-clothing thing.
Not for a joke that was a real thought.
Im stuck because Im trying to find that triad of laughter, connection, and compassion.
I want you to crack up and nod your head and murmur, Yes!
even if youve never been through what Im describing.
The worlds moving too fast for them, and their elbow hurts for some reason.
Theres more to learn.
The kids say Im using that word correctly.
Luckily, Im going through my 40s transformation away from most of the public.
Shalewa Sharpeis a Brooklyn-based comedian.
