George Carlin
June 24th, 2008
As I’m sure you all know, comedian George Carlin passed away this weekend. And while I’m not certain I’ll end up being relevant to identity or social communities or WOM or any of that, I just feel like something needs to be said. Carlin was one of the rare voices that showed the real power of language (and since that’s one of the main tools we use here every day… maybe that’s the connection). His words were a great tool for social commentary through entertainment - and in that sense, he was a true court jester of his time.
He started out as one thing, but in the 1970s, he reinvented himself to be who he really was, to say what he really thought, to stand for what he really believed. From the historic “7 words you can’t say on television” to flippant word play and biting social criticism, he made a real mark on the world we live in, and I, for one, am sad to see him go.
“The very existence of flame-throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I’m just not close enough to get the job done.”
“Scratch any cynic, and you’ll find a disappointed idealist.”
You may now resume the Brains on Fire blog… already in progress.
Other posts by Jennifer.
Bill Gammell says:
“In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy’s defensive line.
In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I’ll be safe at home!”
Goodbye, George.
June 24th, 2008 at 11:00 amJay Donovan says:
Jennifer,
TOTALLY relevant! GEORGE M*THA F***ING CARLIN (he would appreciate the explatives)!
Talk about Authentic!!! Talk about Word of Mouth!!!
He will be missed.
June 26th, 2008 at 11:24 am