Bryan Callen: Complicated Apes

American stand-up comedian Bryan Callen stepped onto the stage of Chicago's iconic Thalia Hall for his third solo special, aptly titled "Complicated Apes." As the lights shone brightly, illuminating the enthusiastic crowd, Callen took a deep breath, settling in for an hour-long exploration of society's ever-present debate: equality. With his signature blend of raw honesty and sharp wit, Callen embarked on a journey to challenge the fundamental way we view our fellow human beings, urging the audience to consider a radical shift in perception. The special kicked off with Callen tackling what lies at the forefront of modern society – labels. He criticized our tendency to turn individuals into nouns, assigning restrictive categorizations such as black, white, immigrant, Muslim, gay, straight, man, and woman. Callen astutely observed how we've grown accustomed to categorizing ourselves and others into neatly defined categories, neglecting the inherent complexities and nuances that make us, well, human. Throughout the special, Callen expertly wove together humor and incisive commentary, questioning the very fabric of our societal norms. He pointed out the absurdity in our obsession with categorization, illustrating how it often serves to foster division rather than unity. Drawing from personal experiences and current events, Callen shared stories of individuals who refused to be confined by predetermined labels, defying expectations and forcing us to rethink our assumptions about them. This is where Callen's proposal for rethinking humanity as verbs comes into play. He challenged the audience to consider the value of treating fellow humans as dynamic, constantly evolving entities rather than static nouns. By viewing people as verbs, Callen argued, we would be forced to confront and accept our own inherent complexities and growth potential. This, in turn, would allow us to approach social issues with a greater sense of empathy and understanding. As Callen's monologue progressed, he dove deeper into the complexities of identity politics and social media's role in perpetuating divisive rhetoric. He critiqued the notion that people are forever bound by their labels, rather than recognizing the fluidity and dynamic nature of individual identity. His sharp commentary cut to the heart of the issue, underscoring how our fixation on labels can prevent us from engaging with people on a genuine, human level. Moreover, Callen's performance touched on the significance of vulnerability and openness in bridging the gaps between people from different backgrounds. Drawing from his own life experiences, he shared tales of connecting with individuals from diverse walks of life, highlighting the profound effect of sharing stories and accepting each other's complexities. This willingness to be vulnerable and authentic, Callen suggested, would enable us to break down barriers and create a more inclusive, compassionate community. "Complicated Apes" is more than just a stand-up special – it's a thought-provoking call to action. Through his signature blend of humor and intellectual curiosity, Bryan Callen invites the audience to rethink the very way we perceive humanity. As the curtains close on the Thalia Hall performance, audiences are left with a powerful message: in a world where labels and categories continue to define us, it's time to reexamine our assumptions and treat each other as the ever-changing, dynamic individuals we truly are – as a verb, rather than a noun.