Chris Rock shreds ‘woke 1.0’ era, compares modern outrage to Salem witch hunts
Chris Rock has argued that calls for social change should be paired with forgiveness, saying advocacy for marginalised people can lose its purpose when it becomes institutionalised. He compared the resulting pressure to the Salem witch hunts, while also saying the post-George Floyd period helped voices be heard that might otherwise have been overlooked.
Rock said forgiveness does not mean excusing abusive behaviour, and that friends can hold one another accountable. Former Clinton campaign staffer Kaivan Shroff countered that comedians may knowingly provoke audiences and should not be surprised by the response. Rock made the comments while promoting his film *Misty Green*, about an actress trying to revive her career and the pressures of ageing in Hollywood.
- Rock says social advocacy needs room for forgiveness.
- He compares institutionalised outrage to witch hunts.
- A critic says comedians should own the reactions they provoke.