…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
On Friday’s edition of his HBO talk show, liberal comedian Bill Maher launched the Cojones Awards, which honors outstanding achievements in growing a pair to stand up to cancel culture.
Maher handed out a gold trophy of dangling testicles to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos for his refusal to apologize over the controversy created by Dave Chappelle’s 2021 comedy special The Closer.
He also gave a trophy to actor Ben Stiller, who in February defended his 2008 comedy smash hit Tropic Thunder which caused controversy for Robert Downey Jr’s use of blackface.
Other recipients of awards were Cornell University, Trader Joe’s, and its president Martha Pollack.
Commentary
Maher’s Cojones Awards aim to celebrate the courageous individuals and organizations that stood up to cancel culture mobs.
In a time when speaking up against cancel culture could mean risking one’s reputation, career, or even safety, the awards give a nod to those who have not succumbed to pressure from the online mob.
The awards serve as a reminder that cancel culture should not be tolerated in society, and that freedom of speech should be defended at all costs.
The Cojones Awards also provide a comedic take on cancel culture, as Maher uses humor to draw attention to a serious issue that threatens the foundations of democracy.
Netflix, Ben Stiller, and Cornell University Deserve the Cojones Awards
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is among the recipients of the Cojones Awards for standing firm amid criticism over Dave Chappelle’s The Closer.
Sarandos refused to apologize despite Netflix employees walking out of their jobs over the controversy.
Similarly, Ben Stiller stood by his 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder, which caused controversy for Robert Downey Jr’s use of blackface.
Stiller said he was ‘proud’ of the movie and that he makes ‘no’ apologies.
Cornell University’s President Martha Pollack is also deserving of the award for denying requests from students for trigger warnings to be attached to college courses.
She stated that “college is for introducing you to new ideas, not for kissing your ass and making you feel wonderful and always right.”
The Importance of Standing Up Against Cancel Culture
The Cojones Awards serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up against cancel culture.
The awards also highlight the need for freedom of speech and the ability to express one’s ideas freely without fear of retribution.
Maher’s Cojones Awards not only recognize those who have stood up against cancel culture but also draw attention to the issue, which has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
By shedding light on this issue, Maher hopes to encourage others to stand up for their beliefs and not succumb to pressure from cancel culture mobs.