Comedian Mark Normand on Code-Switching and the N-Word

Comedian Mark Normand Breaks Down Code-Switching and the N-Word Debate

Comedian Mark Normand recently joined Club Shay Shay to talk about a topic many people experience but don’t always discuss: code-switching. He explained that it’s when people change how they talk or act depending on who they’re around. Normand believes this is very common, especially between black and white cultures, because they are so strong and distinct.

Normand shared that when he’s with his mom, he doesn’t talk the same way he does with friends. He called this a code switch. However, he also mentioned that he doesn’t personally use slang or phrases often associated with black culture when around his black friends. He prefers to just be himself, saying, “I just think people should be who you are.” He feels that true friends accept you for who you are without needing you to change your speech.

Politicians Under Fire for ‘Trying Too Hard’

The conversation then shifted to public figures who Normand feels have tried too hard to relate to certain groups. He brought up Governor Gavin Newsom and his comments about the SAT, suggesting Newsom seemed to be saying, “I’m just like you. I can’t read.” Normand also recalled Hillary Clinton’s hot sauce moment, calling these instances “very embarrassing.” He thinks these public figures come across as trying to be something they’re not, which doesn’t feel genuine.

The N-Word: A Difficult Conversation

A significant part of the discussion focused on the use of the N-word by people of different races. Normand admitted that when he was younger, his black friends would sometimes pressure him to say the word as a joke. “It was very uncomfortable,” he recalled. However, he ultimately stated, “I just don’t do it. I don’t.” He understands the deep pain and history connected to the word.

Normand drew an analogy to relationships. He explained that while you might call your wife “baby” or “honey,” it would be very different and likely unwelcome if another man called your wife those terms. “So, why he calling you baby? Why he calling you sugar?” he asked, highlighting that context and who is speaking matters greatly. He believes that each group has its own way of communicating within its circle, like gay people or women calling each other certain terms. However, he stressed that just because someone from an ‘in-group’ uses certain language doesn’t give an ‘outsider’ the right to use it too. “I’m not in that subgroup,” he stated clearly.

Praise for Dave Chappelle’s Storytelling

The conversation then turned to comedian Dave Chappelle, whom Normand deeply admires. He called Chappelle “probably the best orator in my lifetime.” Normand described a personal experience of hanging out with Chappelle late at night in Ohio, listening to his stories. He noted how Chappelle captivates audiences with his unique delivery, cadence, and ability to weave stories together seamlessly.

Normand highlighted Chappelle’s independence, noting that he doesn’t seem to care about Hollywood’s approval. “Because guess what? They got this thing called the internet,” Normand said, explaining that Chappelle can connect directly with fans and sell out shows without traditional industry backing. He praised Chappelle’s recent Netflix specials as some of the best stand-up comedy seen in years, noting how he can’t turn them off.

Normand’s Own Brush with Danger

The discussion moved to personal experiences, and Normand shared some stories about getting into fights, especially when he was younger and starting out as a comedian in New York. He described being mugged multiple times. In one particularly frightening incident in Hell’s Kitchen, he woke up to find men going through his pockets. When he started to get up, one of them hit him, and they took everything, including his joke book and keys.

Another time, in Crown Heights, Normand encountered a group of men. He tried to avoid them, but an older man approached him and demanded his iPod. A struggle ensued, and the older man began to hit Normand. Shockingly, the group of men he had tried to avoid then intervened and helped him, beating up the attacker. Normand speculated that they stepped in because they couldn’t allow a white person to be seriously harmed in their neighborhood.

The conversation concluded with a reminder to subscribe to Club Shay Shay to catch future episodes with interesting guests.

Source: White People Acting Black & Using N-Word – Mark Normand Reacts I CLUB SHAY SHAY (YouTube)