Letters to the Editor
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George Carlin versus Humanity
That was a fantastic interview, Heather, and not simply because Carlin's misanthropy has always struck a chord with me. You prodded him and gave him the space to respond.
One doesn't have to concur with Carlin's disassociative views to appreciate his creative spirit. He's always dined on sacred cows, and there are more now than ever, as evidenced by the frequently visceral reaction to his material.
Although he's always pointed out the folly of humanity, when he was perceived of being anti-establishment, he was widely adored. With age, and the cultural merger of establishment and anti-establishment, it isn't surprising many people are outraged to find themselves in his crosshairs. In our increasingly self-serious, self-righteous, tribalistic, finger-pointing society, THEY are always fair game. WE are not.
As is often the case in matters of offense, the people who are offended need to be offended. Occasionally, I am one of them. And I am grateful there are still people willing to do exactly that.