Ep 96. Dapper Dan

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah is a late-night news satire program that covers the latest headlines and political events. In season 2019 episode 96 titled "Dapper Dan," host Trevor Noah takes on the topic of fashion and its intersection with cultural appropriation.

Noah begins the show with a monologue highlighting fashion designer Dapper Dan's rise to fame in the 1980s and his recent collaboration with Gucci. He discusses how Dapper Dan's designs were once seen as controversial and criticized for appropriating African American culture, yet today have become trendy and celebrated by the mainstream.

Noah then delves into the larger issue of cultural appropriation in fashion and questions whether it is ever appropriate. He interviews Nigerian-American writer and cultural critic, Luvvie Ajayi, who emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting the cultures from which fashion is inspired.

The show also features a segment on the recent controversy surrounding Nike's decision to pull a sneaker featuring the Betsy Ross flag after complaints that it was associated with slavery. Noah pokes fun at the notion that a flag design could be considered offensive and questions the effectiveness of boycotts as a tool for social change.

In addition to the main topics, "Dapper Dan" also includes segments on the wildfire in California, the upcoming Democratic presidential primary debate, and the detention of children at the border.

As with many episodes of The Daily Show, "Dapper Dan" seeks to entertain and inform its audience about the latest news and cultural trends. Noah's witty commentary and humorous sketches add a light-hearted touch to topics that are often heavy and emotionally charged.

Overall, "Dapper Dan" is a thought-provoking episode that explores the controversies and complexities of fashion and cultural appropriation. It challenges viewers to consider the implications of fashion choices and to think critically about the messages that their clothing sends.