Comedian George Carlin dead at age 71.
George Carlin was something of a hero to me for quite a long time. Probably since I was only 8 or 9 years of age. I adored his wit as well as his ability to point out the stupidest of human behaviors that nearly all of us share.
Unlike the Carlos Mencias and Dane Cooks of today, Carlin was not edgy because he tried to be. He was simply a very bright person with a penchant for pointing out absurdity and he did it with a style that none could imitate.
Carlin was a pioneer in direct and honest language and, sometimes, it got him into trouble.
His case, FCC v. Pacifica, was a small piece of American history that sparked debate on the limits to protected expression and encouraged the individual to rethink their personal definition of decency. The irony of Supreme Court Justices hearing Carlin’s “Seven Filthy Words” transcript has oftentimes made me grin.
But, I hope Carlin is remembered for more than just his salty language.
His was something of a craftsmanship, honing material that he, doubtless, formulated from day-to-day life — always a common thread, always particularly human.
He also questioned the establishment, much to the chagrin of those in it and around it. In his last special (unfortunately titled Life is Worth Losing), Carlin had mighty harsh words about the people he called the “owners” of America. But, they were sensible words and he was probably spot on in his accusations.
Haunted for years by the demons of chemical addiction, Carlin might not be the role model you’d point to for your child’s sake. But, he was a thinker. No two ways about it.
And, it was that thinking and communicating that people warmed up to. He made you think a bit. He made you uncomfortable once in a while. And he made you tear up with laughter as well. For those things, I’ll always be grateful that I knew of him.
And, if you ever wish to turn to his pearls of wisdom to figure out the meaning of your existence here on earth…
Plastic. A$$HOLES!
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