“You’ve found the humor of it, I haven’t found it, nor do I seek it.” – Jerry Seinfeld
A video from 2011 recently resurfaced of comedians Chris Rock, Louis CK, Jerry Seinfeld, and Ricky Gervais, discussing the controversial use of the N-word. Chris Rock surprisingly gave Louis CK a pass to say the word and Jerry Seinfeld appeared to be the only one not willing to jump in and say the word…
Chris Rock: “He’s the Blackest White guy I fucking know.”
Louis CK: “You’re saying I’m a nigger?”
Chris Rock: “Yes… you are the nigger-est fucking White man I have ever (met).”
Moments later, Seinfeld added some much-needed clarity by admitting he doesn’t get it, nor has he ever tried to get it regarding his comedy. They all kept laughing, but if there was ever a time to push back regarding the use of a racial slur that is inevitably tied to horror and dark times in American History, it was then. While many people would’ve expected Chris, the only African-American in the room, to bring that clarity, it was Jerry instead.
Is this clip nearly 8 years old, sure. Why is it resurfacing now, who knows? But what we do know is that this word is beyond controversial, and it immediately caused people to react, and it wasn’t in support of Chris, Louis, or Rick… all of whom had a great time using the term and hysterically laughing about it.
Some of those reactions were caught on Twitter…
How do you feel about the word? And does Chris, as the only African-American on the set, deserve more blame than the other 3 comedians?
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I remember hearing about this when it first surfaced, but no one was talking about Chris Rock then. It’s a complex, but not complex situation. The burden to check Louis is on Chris, but it shouldn’t be because I’m sure Louis knows better! But another White man was the voice of reason and mortality when it comes to the n-word?!? WHAT? I’M not mad at Louis. I’m disgusted by Chris Rock.
This was embarrassing, sickening, and pathetic.
Dope article. Very well written. I’m actually really taken aback by Chris Rock. He didn’t strike me as the passive token black friend type. I def have always loved Seinfeld but now I have even more respect for him.
This made me feel so uncomfortable. I can’t.
Man, that was just disheartening and weird. I can’t believe Chris Rock went for that. It felt as if he was like it’s cool behind the scenes, but not in front of everybody… which is worse. FAKE