Dave Chappelle, Hannah Gadsby, and the Offended Masses

Well, I honestly thought that the whole controversy over Dave Chappelle's new Netflix special, The Closer, would have blown over by now. But, it seems that it's still front and center in the media, and getting spicier. Why? Probably because the media likes it that way.

For those who haven't heard yet, comedian Dave Chappelle recently released his new stand-up routine on Netflix to the pleasure of many, and the disdain of others. Was this to be expected? Given the fact that he seems to stir up controversy with each of these specials that are released, I would say yes. Some of the content in the show has been deemed transphobic, homophobic, and even antisemitic and this has touched a nerve.

RELATED: Dave Chappelle Divides Opinion with His New Netflix Special, 'Sticks and Stones'

Just as it seemed that the controversy may have been dying down, today, we find out that, no, no, it isn't. Now, Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby, who has two Netflix specials of her own, has gotten involved after being named dropped by Netflix big-wig Ted Sarandos. In his defense of Dave Chappelle against critics who want to see the special pulled, he brought up Gadsby, saying Netflix also gives a voice to progressive LGBTQ voices. Gadsby did not like that and made it very clear in a scathing rebuttal.

“Hey Ted Sarandos! Just a quick note to let you know that I would prefer if you didn’t drag my name into your mess. Now I have to deal with even more of the hate and anger that Dave Chappelle’s fans like to unleash on me every time Dave gets 20 million dollars to process his emotionally stunted partial world view. You didn’t pay me nearly enough to deal with the real world consequences of the hate speech dog whistling you refuse to acknowledge, Ted.”

Ouch. Indeed. And, yes, some of those defending Chappelle are being pretty darn rude about Gadsby. Likewise, defenders of Gadsby are being pretty darn rude about Chappelle. It's like a Battle Royale over the comedy stars of Netflix!

Now, there is one part of David Chappelle's The Closer that people seemed to have ignored. And that was when he railed against tribalism and encouraged people not to just fall in line with whatever their tribe says without questioning. But, what has happened in this current row is exactly that...an absolute tribal division. And it's unnecessary.

Has it occurred to anyone that you can support both of these artists? It doesn't have to be either/or? I mean, personally, I thought The Closer was pretty darn funny. I don't think it is the hateful mess that some want to portray it as, but I can definitely see how some might take it that way. Dave Chappelle does go pretty heavy on jokes that he KNOWS are going to ruffle feathers, particularly when it comes to those about transgender issues. As predicted, they certainly did. Feathers were ruffled.

Personally, I think Hannah Gadsby is talented as well. Her specials on Netflix are "critically acclaimed" and for good reason. She is intelligent, humorous, well spoken and gosh darn it, people like her. She has as much right as anyone to express her views here, especially when she is being used as a pawn in the entire argument by Netflix.

We can respect both Dave and Hannah. We really can. This does not have to go down the same tribal lines that we see repeated over and over and over...and over...in these culture war controversies. We can look at what both of them are doing and saying and be supportive, understanding and give serious thought to the points. And we can agree with some of their statements and disagree with others.

The other day I started to write an essay that I titled "Everyone is Offended by Something." Right now, it seems that some trans people and their allies are offended by Chappelle's special. Meanwhile, many people who keep posting online about how Dave is the GOAT seem deeply offended that others would be criticizing his special for some of the content. Then, you have Hannah Gadsby offended that she has been brought into the dispute. And then you have Dave supporters who are offended that Hannah Gadsby is being critical of Netflix and Chappelle. Sigh. That's a whole lot of offense.

Oddly enough, some of the very vocal people defending Chappelle seem to keep repeating, "everyone is too sensitive these days" and calling out "snowflakes" for being critical of The Closer. Ironically, in doing so, they keep showing how sensitive to offense they are. Any criticism of their man, Dave, is getting blasted as if he is some sacred cow above criticism. Baffling. He isn't! Stop treating him like he is.

Face it, we all have something that offends us. But, that doesn't mean it has to divide us. We really don't need to get into these battles over who is the most offended over a Netflix comedy show, or the criticism of said show. This doesn't need to be some kind of tribal thing. So, like, you know....CHILL OUT!