I sure hope this piece about comic genius, Dave Chappelle, is on the mark. It certainly seems so to me. The whole idea of a man who is on a direct flight to vast money and fame stopping to ask himself who he is and what he’s doing strikes me as a phenomenally fresh moment in the culture. No, I’m not going to defend his apparent failure to live out certain contractual responsibilities (although I’d see it as eminently within the usual rights of an artist of any kind). What I am going to praise is what appears to be his conscience – even, and perhaps especially, in comedy. His integrity means more to him than going ahead because the money is in control. If that means slowing down, escaping the headlights of fame, taking time, so be it. Here’s a beautiful quote:
I don’t normally talk about my religion publicly because I don’t want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing. And I believe it is a beautiful religion if you learn it the right way. It’s a lifelong effort. Your religion is your standard. Coming here I don’t have the distractions of fame. It quiets the ego down. I’m interested in the kind of person I’ve got to become. I want to be well rounded and the industry is a place of extremes. I want to be well balanced. I’ve got to check my intentions, man.
That first sentence – which combines great faith with great humility – is what we need so much more of. In Islam, it is currently close to priceless. Thank God, then, for Chappelle. Literally.
The Dish 