| What I learned about George Carlin | 12:20 AM |
So I'm sure you all know that George Carlin passed away this week. I'm not a big follower of comedians, but I have seen some of his stuff and found him funny. One of the first videos I watched after his death was his classic Seven Dirty Words routine. And being someone who swears a lot, loves language, and enjoys people who defy convention, I immediately loved it. I have an image in my head of Carlin as a white bearded, bald guy. But in this clip he's young and handsome and seems more jovial than I ever remember seeing him -- like the world hasn't quite worn him down and jaded him yet.
Add to it the fact that this routine got him arrested and got the radio station that broadcast his uncensored routine sued in a first amendment stir and it makes it all the more charming.
A friend of mine was saying how when he was a kid his parents had vinyl records of Carlin's routines -- vinyl! I think it's not uncommon to see someone differently after his / her death. I always thought of George Carlin as a funny grumpy old man, and now I've got a different, more interesting image of him in my head. Though it's too bad it takes death for me to soften my heart and open up my mind.
Some links to more informative articles:
