Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix special, "The Dreamer," begins in a manner that fans of the comedian have come to expect: bold and unflinching. His opening joke, targeting the trans community, sets the tone for a performance that is both controversial and defiant in the face of increasing societal pressures. Only now Chappelle has added a new layer to his comedic repertoire by including jokes about handicapped persons.

This opening act sends a clear message: Chappelle will not be bullied by the forces of cancel culture. His brand of comedy consistently pushes boundaries, challenging his audience to engage with a broad spectrum of topics that navigate the tightrope of modern sensibilities.

"Tonight, I'm doing all handicapped jokes,” Chappelle jokes in “The Dreamer.” “They're not as organized as the gays, and I love punching down."

Chappelle's comedic journey has not been without controversy. Most recently, he has been under fire for frequent comments regarding the transgender community, including in his 2021 Netflix special “The Closer.” The material sparked protests and Netflix employee walkouts.

Variety noted that “While Netflix’s Ted Sarandos initially defended the comedian and his right to artistic freedom in a memo distributed among Netflix employees, he later said he ‘screwed up’ in his reaction to the controversy.”

Throughout his career, and particularly in the wake of his latest special, Chappelle has faced growing calls to be canceled as irreverent jokes about hot-button topics whip some activists into a frenzy. But despite these challenges, Chapelle has steadfastly refused to bend or bow to those out to de-platform him.

Chappelle's refusal to back down is a shot across the bow to the so-called “cancel vultures,” those who critique and criticize, often out of a desire to assert their own relevance. Too often, these naysayers aim not just to disagree with others, but to silence voices and destroy careers.

But Chappelle’s narrative in "The Dreamer," goes beyond comedic barbs. He also reflects on the human spirit and his journey through adversity, highlighting his own nascent desires and relentless drive, which propelled him to success.

The special also offers insights into Chappelle's character beyond his callous stage persona. He shares an anecdote about hastily jumping to conclusions, which led to a misguided outburst following his first taped special.

The story is revealing: It shows a side of Chappelle that is introspective and capable of growth. It is also a subtle yet powerful commentary on the dangers of a cancel culture world in which people often rush to judgment without understanding the full context, leading to harmful and false assumptions.

Criticism of Chappelle and his brand of humor, especially in "The Dreamer," has been fierce. According to a commentary published on MSNBC, “Chappelle traffics in homophobic and transphobic humor because it’s profitable.” Still, his audience hasn’t diminished, despite calls for his cancellation. Instead, his fan base has simply changed and perhaps even grown. Chappelle's willingness to engage with controversial topics may be both strategic and artistic.

The Independent further notes that Chappelle’s “relentless jokes about the trans community” have not only sparked controversy but also invited a reevaluation of the nature of comedy and the boundaries it explores.

Seen in a different light, "The Dreamer" actually teaches insightful lessons about the downsides to knee-jerk reactions and false assumptions based on partial knowledge. These have broader implications for freedom of expression and the stifling of creative voices than just Chapelle or even comedy alone.

"The Dreamer" is more than just a comedy special for its creators: It is a declaration of resistance against toxic cancel culture. Chappelle's unwavering defiance is a fearless reminder of the importance of preserving the freedom to express ideas even — perhaps especially — when they are controversial or the humor is not for everyone.

Rather than telling us directly, Chapelle actually shows us through his performance the importance of resisting tides of outrage. And while moderate voices may often seem drowned out by the shrill minority, I still believe that the majority of Americans believe in artistic and individual expression.

Whether you like or loathe his humor, Chappelle is forcing us to confront this reality: Cancel culture only prevails when people discount and devalue free speech.

Evan Nierman is founder and CEO of the crisis communications firmRed Banyanand author of the books“Crisis Averted”and “The Cancel Culture Curse: From Rage to Redemption in a World Gone Mad.”