So, I know I haven't blogged in quite some time--mostly due to my busy semester. Nonetheless, I'm back to respond to a discussion that I engaged in this evening. A little about the group, the name is Progressive Mens Masculinities, we are a group of progressive men that are to strive for quality for all people--including our brothers and sisters of the GLBTQ community. We actively engage in candid discourse on how to deconstruct masculinity, male privilege, Whiteness, homophobia, misogyny, and other forms of oppression or violence. We have presented at several different Men's conferences in which we discussed the focus, main goal of our group. It is important to mention that we are not a group to force change nor put pressure on anyone, we are only here for those who may be interested in challenging the patriarchal norms of society. Thus, we understand that we are humans, and as human beings, we are constantly changing thru time and space--understanding that we do not have the answers and are constantly growing and working on "us". So, with that said, now on to the good part.
This evening one of our Black professors from Radio-Television gave a talk on The Dave Chappelle Show, pointing out its flaws while recognizing some of the positive (constructive) aspects of the show. Dr. Novotny Lawrence made it very clear at th outset that he likes some of Chappelle's shows, however, as scholar, he cannot not criticize the sexist, misogynistic, and homophobic views Chappelle depicts in his shows. In addition, Dr. Lawrence points out that Chappelle made no mention of Black women; unless, perhaps if it was in negative light. After pondering over the comments and short video clips Dr. Lawrence presented, I began realizing the truths behind Dr. Lawrence claims. As a progressive, pro-feminist, Black male, I personally and scholarly began to critically look at the work of Chappelle's show. In The Comedy of Dave Chappelle: Critical Essays, Novotny Lawrence contends, "He [Dave Chappelle] also takes his insults further by alluding to gay sexual relations between men, which he openly admitted that he felt was gross during a Chappelle's Show monologue." Such comment is blatantly homophobic, and such claim is only perpetuating the oppression we have been trying to move away from, at least as it relates to race. I find it intriguing that at times, the Dave Chappelle Show can present good social commentary, however, when it comes to discussing issues of sexism and homophobia, the tables are turned. Perhaps, it has a lot to do with the ways in which this society is socialized and protected by patriarchy. It is like we have the oppressed, oppressing others, specifically women and members of the GLBTQ community. Finally, to end, in Can You Hear Me Now: The Inspiration, Wisdom, and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson, Dyson posit, "We don't have to stop being black to be saved. We don't have to stop being women to be saved. We don't have to stop being poor to be saved. And we don't have to stop being gay or lesbian to be saved." With that, I urge our people to challenge the hegemony that has dominated most of our society; we don't have to adhere to what appears to be the "norm". I call for a generation that will challenge and not reproduce these absurd beliefs, ideals, norms, and other forms of oppression. We must move forward and men, let us not stand behind women, but let us stand beside them! What I left the discussion is that we need to engage in more discourse about these issues.
