I’ve never really enjoyed Chelsea Handler’s irreverent brand of humor. This is mainly because I feel like I’ve tuned into “Chelsea Lately” enough times to assess she’s not very likable. She’s reached this weird level of hyper-celebrity that isn’t rooted in any meaningful sort of accomplishment. I mean, this much is common these days, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.She was the natural choice to host this year’s Video Music Awards on MTV, I guess. Her self-deprecating, yet obvious and therefore boring books ended up on the New York Times Best-Seller List this year, and “Chelsea Lately” continues to get great ratings.But I’m guessing the woman who likely reads “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea,” works part time at a pet store at age 35 and most likely wears New Balance sneakers with flared jeans—possibly with bedazzled pocket details— when going on a date. By my definition, anyone who thinks Handler is funny or clever lives in a small town, probably has a few uncles named Cletus, etc.At the VMAs, she told the audience she had a gun with her and could easily carry it past security because she’s white. She also said: “It’s time to acknowledge the big black elephant in the room. Where’s Kanye?” And in reference to Jennifer Lopez being a new judge on “American Idol,” she said it was the first time a Puerto Rican will appear as a judge instead of before one. Off-color jokes paired with bland delivery and a certain smugness (that is far more creepy than it is endearing) makes me uncomfortable.
