Related Readings & Resources
Bambi Haggins, Laughing Mad: The Black Comic Persona in Post-Soul America. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 2007.
Helen Lewis, Dave Chappelle’s Rorschach Test. The Atlantic, October 13, 2021. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/10/dave-chappelle-the-closer/620364/
Sampson McCormick, Gay Black Comedian Reviews Dave Chappelle's 'The Closer': "Gay White Racism Is Real. October 23, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri-glWdb9A0
Terrence Tucker, Furiously Funny: Comic Rage from Ralph Ellison to Chris Rock. University Press of Florida, 2017.
Mel Watkins, On the Real Side: A History of African American Comedy. Chicago: Lawrence Hill Books, 1999 (second edition).
Critics Ask Netflix to Remove Dave Chappelle’s Special. October 7, 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLs59lUykks
Event Details
Terrence Tucker in conversation with Vershawn Young
Richard Pryor definitively ripped off the mask of African American humor in front of white audiences, making it difficult for them to remain passive and uncritical and forcing them to confront the continuing legacy of racial oppression. Dave Chappelle continues that tradition. Join Terrence Tucker and Vershawn Young as they explore this comic rage and its role in fighting racism. Terrence Tucker is Chair and Associate Professor of English, University of Memphis, and author of Furiously Funny: Comic Rage from Ralph Ellison to Chris Rock. Vershawn Young is Professor of Black Studies, Communication Arts, and English, University of Waterloo, and author of Your Average Nigga: Performing Race, Literacy, and Masculinity.
Co-sponsors: Edmonton Public Library, Milton Public Library, Thunder Bay Public Library, Toronto Public Library, Vancouver Public Library
Zoom link to event ryerson.zoom.us/j/91941276567
This is a free event and no registration is required.
Please contact cfe@ryerson.ca if you require accommodation to ensure inclusion in this event.