CHRIS ROCK HOLDS NOTHING BACK IN HIS RECENT COMEDY SPECIAL “SELECTIVE OUTRAGE”

March 27th, 2022 is a day that has become infamous in Hollywood lore. At the 94th Academy Awards the hot topic was Will Smith being up for the Oscar for Actor In A Lead Role for his portrayal of Richard Williams in “king Richard”. The night was a typical one for most awards shows of ups and downs, but no one really remembers who won which awards that night because it got over shadowed immensely by one shocking moment. As comedian and actor Chris Rock came out to present the next award he made a joke about Jada Pickett-Smith’s hair being very short and comparing it to a movie from the 80s called “GI Jane”. At first everyone kind of laughed including Smith. Then a few seconds later he got up from his chair and slapped Rock in the face live on stage. The whole world saw it, and what was said after was silenced as Will went on a tirade yelling at Rock. What some thought was staged turned out to be very real and it tarnished Smith’s Oscar win and his reputation with Hollywood and fans alike. So when you sit down to watch the recent special Rock did for Netflix “Selective Outrage” you have wonder if he talks about it.

Chris Rock is not a comedian for the squeamish or easily offended when the truth is put in front of them. He truly tells it like it is, but he always comes around to another point. You have to wait and listen to the ENTIRE conversation he is having with you as an audience member. He isn’t going for shock value, but instead tells you a sometimes sad and horrible truth that you have to admit exists. He then will come around to the other side of that truth letting you know it’s not the only one that exists. No one is safe from his commentary regardless of skin color or social level and that is what can be extremely refreshing when listening to him. He may talk about someone being racist, but he doesn’t let anyone off the hook for their own behavior including himself. Most of the special he stays away from talking about the encounter that Oscar evening until the very end. He explains his own anger and reflection and healing and his entire thoughts on the event.

What I like best is the title of his special, “Selective Outrage”. It is a huge microscope on today’s society where we don’t get mad about things or consider them trivial. That is until it happens to us. Then it becomes an issue that must be addressed which may cause someone to be “canceled” because now you feel attacked. He points out the extreme hypocrisy in the world as a society between all people of all colors of all nations. The most powerful line he has – and it is a truth that can’t be ignored is that we’re more interested in getting “likes than love.” Meaning our acceptance on Social Media matters more than if a person shows us the love that all humans should show each other at every level. I implore you to watch this because it will make you uncomfortable, and that is good. However, you will also come away from it laughing not only at what he says, but a little at yourself and maybe some things you have to change.