Kierkegaard’s Philosophy of Humor Applied to Dave Chappelle’s Comedy
An article applies Søren Kierkegaard’s philosophy of humor to analyze Dave Chappelle’s recent comedy specials, which have sparked controversy for jokes targeting transgender people and the LGBTQ community. Kierkegaard distinguishes between irony, a free-spirited humor practiced for oneself, and ribaldry, a rude humor at others’ expense. The ironist remains detached and self-aware, while the ribald comedian (scurra) seeks crowd approval. The article argues that Chappelle has shifted from an ironic observer to a scurra, attacking a marginalized group from a position of power. Kierkegaard’s own experience with The Corsair newspaper’s mockery is cited; he never claimed martyrdom for free speech. The analysis draws on Kierkegaard’s Concluding Unscientific Postscript, particularly a footnote on irony vs. ribaldry, and suggests Chappelle risks becoming a figure of pathos if he loses his ironic detachment.
Key facts
- Dave Chappelle’s comedy specials have sparked controversy for jokes targeting transgender people and the LGBTQ community.
- Søren Kierkegaard’s philosophy of humor distinguishes between irony (free-spirited, for oneself) and ribaldry (rude, at others’ expense).
- Kierkegaard was mocked by the Copenhagen newspaper The Corsair but never claimed his speech was censored.
- The analysis focuses on a footnote in Kierkegaard’s Concluding Unscientific Postscript.
- Kierkegaard quotes Aristotle: 'Irony is more free spirited than ribaldry.'
- A scurra is a sponger who relies on others for comic enjoyment.
- Chappelle perceives an imbalance of power between the LGBTQ community and people of color.
- The article concludes that Chappelle has devolved to the level of a scurra.
Entities
Artists
- Dave Chappelle
- Søren Kierkegaard
- Socrates
- Aristotle
Institutions
- The Corsair
Locations
- Copenhagen
- Denmark