Comedian Chris Rock is known for pushing the envelope when it comes to his stand-up comedy, and his recent special, "Selective Outrage," is no exception. While the show touched on a wide range of topics, including abortion, cancel culture, and women's dominance over men, it was Rock's comments about Will and Jada Pinkett Smith that drew the most attention. Here is a breakdown of the key themes that emerged in the special:

Cancel Culture and Comedy

One of the most interesting things about "Selective Outrage" is the way it highlights the way that cancel culture has affected comedy. Rock has always been known for his provocative humor, but in today's world of cancel culture, it can be difficult for comedians to push boundaries without facing backlash. In the special, Rock discusses the challenges of navigating this new world of comedy while still trying to make people laugh.

The rise of cancel culture has been a hotly debated topic in recent years, with many people arguing that it has had a chilling effect on free speech and expression. Cancel culture refers to the practice of publicly calling out individuals or organizations for behavior or beliefs that are considered offensive or inappropriate. This can often lead to social media campaigns, boycotts, and other forms of public shaming, with the goal of forcing the person or organization to change their behavior or face consequences.

In the world of comedy, cancel culture has become an especially thorny issue. Comedians have long been known for pushing the boundaries of what is socially acceptable, using humor to address sensitive topics and challenge societal norms. However, in recent years, many comedians have found themselves facing intense criticism and public backlash for jokes that are deemed offensive or insensitive.

Race and Politics

Throughout his career, Chris Rock has never shied away from discussing sensitive topics like race and politics in his comedy. In his recent special "Selective Outrage," Rock once again tackled these issues, particularly with his comments about the January 6th riots at the U.S. Capitol.

Rock pointed out that the majority of the rioters were white men attempting to overthrow a government that they already run. 

This observation highlights the ongoing racial tensions in America and the fact that people of color often face a different reality than white people.

Rock's comments are particularly relevant given the ongoing discussions about race and politics in the country. Many people are still grappling with the effects of systemic racism and inequality, and Rock's voice adds an important perspective to these discussions.

Social Media and Victimhood

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. People use it to connect with friends, family, and even strangers. However, as Chris Rock points out in his special, "Selective Outrage," social media has also led to a culture of victimhood.

According to Rock, people use social media to gain attention by portraying themselves as victims. Whether it's claiming to be a victim of racism, sexism, or some other form of discrimination, people use victimhood as a way to gain followers, likes, and shares. This has led to a culture where being a victim is seen as a desirable status symbol.

While some may argue that this culture of victimhood is a positive thing because it raises awareness of important social issues, Rock believes that it has a negative impact on society.

The Smiths and Society's Expectations of Relationships

While Rock's comments on the Smiths have sparked discussion about society's expectations of relationships, the overall impact of "Selective Outrage" goes beyond just his comments on the Smiths. Rock's comedic perspective adds a unique spin to issues that are relevant to society today.

During the special, Rock revealed that he still harbors anger towards Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, mainly after Will Smith slapped him at the 2016 Oscars ceremony. According to Rock, the slap was a reaction to the criticism that Smith received after Jada's very public affair and less about alopecia all together. However, Rock did not hold back in his criticism of Jada, stating that she hurt Will more than he hurt Rock by having an affair with their son's friend.

Final Thoughts

Overall, "Selective Outrage" is a thought-provoking and entertaining special that raises important issues about society today. Whether you agree with his perspective or not, there is no denying that Rock's comedic voice adds an important perspective to these issues. From cancel culture to social media to race and politics, Rock's special touches on a range of topics that are relevant to society today. While his comments on the Smiths have drawn the most attention, it's clear that Rock has a lot to say about the world we live in, and his perspective is worth considering.