Protest comedy: 5 stand-up bits tackling social unrest with humor
June 4, 2020 Matt Kleinschmidt Chloe Hilliard, Chris Rock, Features, Michael Che, Nathan Macintosh, Robert Kelly, Stand-Up
Let’s face it, sh*ts really stressful right now and times aren’t particularly funny. As a comedy website, that makes it tough for us to do our jobs when it is not the top priority to laugh. But we also realize that comedy can be cathartic and a great escape when you might need to turn off the news for a few minutes and re-center yourself.
That got us thinking…
Comedians are absolute experts at finding humor in the most serious of topics, that’s what makes us love them so much. They have the ability to provide a laugh when we might need it most. So with that in mind, we gathered a handful of some of our favorite bits by comedians that find humor in topics of social unrest at the top of everyone’s mind.
Michael Che – Civil Rights Update
Michael Che is a very outspoken comedian and damn if he isn’t pretty on point. In his 2016 Netflix special Matters, the title bit rips apart the ridiculousness that is the argument of Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter. Che has said this joke shows its head every time something bad happens. Both a blessing to its power and a curse because of why it appears in the first place.
Robert Kelly – Fat Riot Cop
With all the videos we’re seeing of police geared up, we can’t help but see a few of them fat riot cops out there and we think of this bit every time. If you need another reason to mock cops at a time like this, Kelly paints a good visual of another one for you.
Chris Rock – A Few Bad Apples
Chris Rock built his career with jokes on edgy topics like race. When he turned his attention toward the police in his 2018 special Tambourine, those words were biting, funny, and incredibly true.
Nathan Macintosh – White Women and White Privilege
With all this talk about privilege and what it means to a person of color without it, Nathan Macintosh nails a take on just how much privilege white women wield.
Chloe Hilliard – Accidentally Marching In A Protest
Chloe Hilliard has a brother over a decade younger than her and because of it she doesn’t always align with his wokeness. Also because she lives in such a diverse city like NYC, she’s found herself supporting random causes by accident.
Hopefully some of these stand-up bits brought a smile to your face and provided some levity. While there are many great causes to support, comedian Chris Redd recently spun up a GoFundMe account where folks can donate to help those in the streets protesting for change with medical relief and COVID-19 testing. Consider giving if you are able.
Stay safe, wear a mask, and Black Lives Matter.
