Joe Rogan’s ‘Burn the Boats’: A Self-Styled Provocateur’s Jokes Feel Decades Too Late

As a long-time fan of stand-up comedy and a seasoned observer of the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and dismay when it comes to Joe Rogan’s latest Netflix special, “Burn the Boats.”

Netflix has found the stopgap solution for the periods between Dave Chappelle specials.

Dave Chappelle, the renowned contemporary comedian whose career has been mired by controversial comments about transgender individuals in his Netflix shows, has shed light on the fact that the streaming platform values viewership above all else. The complex and tragic aspect of Chappelle’s recent content is that he is an exceptionally talented storyteller who appears driven by conviction to criticize the trans community. Conversely, it appears that Joe Rogan, whose special “Burn the Boats” was aired live on Netflix on Aug 3, serves as something of an opposite to Chappelle. He may not be a gifted comedian or even a particularly good one, but his discussions on culture-war topics draw attention he might not otherwise receive.

It’s important to note that Rogan’s success isn’t surprising given his unconventional approach. Known for his roles in “NewsRadio,” hosting “Fear Factor,” and UFC backstage interviews, Rogan has climbed the ladder by being unpredictable, blunt, and seemingly without strategy. On his Spotify podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” his early discussions about vaccine safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were more of a casual exploration rather than a crusade, attracted attention. This attention was the currency that led him to Netflix, and ultimately, Netflix decided to stream his live shows.

It’s probable that if the streamer’s speech was pre-recorded, he might have wrestled with deciding what parts to omit – letting the tape roll gave him a reprieve, and allowed Rogan to maintain his image as the edgiest comedian. It’s undeniable that he has a smooth and effortless way with offensive language, weaving it into his unique perspective on life. I was genuinely surprised when he swiftly shifted from stating that there’s no issue with two straight men casually using a homophobic slur in a private call to loudly proclaiming that there is no such thing as a private conversation because “they definitely listen!” Rogan, who has developed a likeness to the UFC fighters he used to cover, was drenched in sweat by this point in the performance, but the shift from self-justifying defensively to accusing a global conspiracy against him appeared unphased, almost seamless. His grievances are his own – and it just so happens that they’re also the world’s fault. In other words, simple as that.

In this special, Rogan often seemed to be engaging or forecasting a potential critic, which makes critiquing him feel like it’s part of his strategy. It might appear simplistic to challenge, point by point, Rogan’s statements in a comedic manner. His humor, at times, is harshly cruel (his depiction of a “pregnant man’s” child nursing was an unsuccessful attempt at grotesque comedy), overtly naive (expressing discomfort about the world becoming strange while being a significant influencer in shaping American culture), and overall, seems outdated by about a decade. Apart from COVID-19, which Rogan mentions early on as having impacted his personal relationships (one can’t help but wonder why!), much of this special could have tackled similar cultural divisions back in 2013, even down to his complaint about not being able to use certain slurs. By getting those onto Netflix, Rogan ensured that his boldness would grab headlines that his comedy might not, and secured his income.

The humor displayed by Rogan during this performance was rather basic and seemingly unrefined. He made derogatory remarks about some transgender individuals, referring to them as “crazy people,” comparing them unfavorably to the antagonist in “The Silence of the Lambs.” This type of commentary is not only discriminatory but also lacks sophistication. A later segment where he expressed unease around gay men due to his perception of male primal nature came across as outdated and worn-out. It was a relief for the audience, even those who disagreed with him, when the topic of COVID-19 arose in Rogan’s monologue. Although he didn’t completely dismiss vaccines, he mocked both sides of the issue, ridiculing Prince Harry’s criticism while also mocking those who believe in his stance on vaccines. In a questionable move, Rogan asked, “Is it really my fault if you’re getting your vaccine advice from me?” Throughout the performance, Rogan maintained a playful and restless demeanor, always approaching the boundary but never delving deep enough to explore why he or his audience might find this boundary-pushing entertaining. It felt as though he was merely having fun, similar to telling jokes about transgender individuals from 1998.

Rogan doesn’t encounter it as frequently as desired: To those unfamiliar with him, Rogan appears awkward in this special, and it seems Netflix broadcasted it live to exploit his notoriety rather than to showcase him alongside other recent live events like a Chris Rock special or the Tom Brady roast. However, credit should be given where it’s due: Rogan is somewhat complex. He might not be as enigmatic as Chappelle, but he’s not strictly partisan. He criticizes Fox News for their coverage of his purchasing a comedy club, referring to it as an “anti-woke” move, while he insists there was no political angle involved. Furthermore, he denies almost everything he’s ever said, not because he’s changed his mind, but because he seems to dismiss the idea of having a consistent thought process altogether. He criticizes the media for quoting him out of context, especially statements made under the influence.

Regrettably, coming up with jokes and delivering them – whether on stage, in the semi-secluded environment of one’s studio, or online – is essentially what comedians are compensated for. However, by openly disavowing his own performance as it unfolds, Rogan demonstrates a crucial aspect that sets apart top comedians: Bravery. Despite seemingly having the glamour of a mainstay Netflix comic, he appears to be missing this essential quality that the finest comics possess.

2024-08-04 07:16

Joe Rogan’s ‘Burn the Boats’: A Self-Styled Provocateur’s Jokes Feel Decades Too Late

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