Rock Continues Tradition of Comic as Social Critic

Margaret Sagarese’s reflections on Chris Rock at MTV include the invitation to call her “crazy” or “old-fashioned” (“Put Between Rock and a Hard Place,” Counterpunch, Sept. 20).

She is neither. She is just out of touch with theater. Way out.

Has she forgotten Don Rickles? Joan Rivers? Does she remember Lenny Bruce? Does she have any notion of the traditions of social criticism in theater, sometimes the only places where criticism is tolerated? She can look all the way back to England and France and Germany, not to mention Greece and Rome.

Chris Rock is not “unkind” or “racist.” He is a genius social critic coming from a long line of thinkers brave enough to use humor to send a message.

True, there are always attempts to silence such people, often from well-meaning writers like Sagarese who should stick to their expertise in parenting advice rather than miss the point of satire.

RICHARD SNEED

Laguna Beach

Years ago in a production of Verdi’s “Aida,” the story goes, a nervous elephant relieved itself onstage, prompting conductor Sir Thomas Beecham to remark, “Gad, what a critic!” I never thought so much excrement would again be presented on the stage of a major opera house--that is, until the MTV Video Music Awards (“Opera House Turns Hip-Hop Stage for MTV Awards,” by Elysa Gardner, Sept. 11).

It was appalling when host Chris Rock began by exclaiming, “I may be the first black man in history to take the stage of the Met without a mop.” To say this is to do injustice to Robert McFerrin (father of Bobby McFerrin), who made his debut there in January 1955, not to mention the many other splendid African American singers who have added their voices to the operatic glories of the company.

Shame on Rock, not only for dissing an institution blessed with individuals far more talented than himself, but for also having to get his African American history lesson from a white guy like me!

MATTHEW B. TEPPER

Los Angeles