I think it's the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately. - George CarlinTwo minutes after my radio turned on Monday morning I heard the news that George Carlin had died Sunday. He was one of the few comedians who really made you think and laugh at the same time. In my opinion, the best comedy has to be intelligent, has to make you think and has to offend someone - and generally the more offensive the better. For these reasons, George Carlin is at the top of my list of favourite comedians and I am thus deeply saddened by his death.
I had never had the opportunity to see Carlin live until he came through El Paso on May 17th this year. As expected, he delivered a top quality performance, the highlight of which was actually courtesy of a member of the audience. George was working his way through a very funny discussion questioning the meaning of slogans and gestures like "God Bless America" and removing one's hat for national anthems and the like. This contained comments along the lines of "why should God favour our country over another?" and "it's just a hat."
Well, someone in one of the rows behind where we were seated did not take too kindly to the bit, which I guess would be somewhat offensive to many Americans and military families. So, this individual shouted the ever so clever phrase - "Fuck You!" - from the back of the theatre. And later, he went so far as to walk up to within six feet of the stage shouting - "Fuck You!" over and over and pointing in Mr. Carlin's general direction. He was rightly ignored by George and eventually escorted out by security.
My question is this - What the hell were expecting going to a George Carlin show? You had to figure something like that would come up at some point during the show. Hell, I am one of the hardest people to offend, and I recall thinking that he crossed the line several times that night (though I sadly can't recall the exact jokes). But that is what I want to experience at his shows - I want him to push the boundaries. If you are easily offended, I don't recommend checking out his material.
I was very excited to finally see Carlin live and when we were making the decision to go to the show, I remember thinking that George isn't getting any younger and this may be my last chance to see his show..... I just didn't realize that I would be proved right less than two months later.
So here's to you George. You will be missed.
Now I have a copy of
When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops that requires another read-through.
Cheers,
Me
