I woke up today, glad that the internet was FINALLY back on, happy that I can get some work done. Only to be incredibly disheartened to find out that one of my all time cultural heroes, George Carlin, died yesterday.
I grew up listening to Carlin’s records and watching his comedy and philosophy evolve from that of a counterculture funny-man to one of an incredibly articulate, no-holds-barred, and direct philosopher of modern life. Reading his books, watching his amazing stage presence on his HBO specials (I regret I never got to see him at a live performance), and just plain taking in his amazing wit played huge roles in my outlook on life and the world today.
There are only a few people in my life that I consider “true” heroes. No sports figures, no movie stars, not even politicians. But rather seemingly ordinary people who’ve done amazing things with their lives. People like Jane Gooddall, Michael Moore, and of course, Carlin. George Carlin started out as just another suit and tie comedian on the gritty club circuit in the 50’s and 60’s. Yet, thanks to his cultural environment and influences, including Lenny Bruce, he became an icon of wisdom, cynicism, pragmatism, secularism, and even libertarianism for my generation.
I salute my hero, and his cut-through-the-bullshit wit and audacity, which is so BADLY NEEDED in these very strange times of so-called “cultural war”, will be SORELY missed. Nonetheless, the mark he made on American culture, and the fundamental voice of reason against the insanity of religion, politics, and corporate greed will not fade anytime soon.
I thank him for the life he lived.