Because it's all about ME, ME, ME, it struck me as somewhat funny that I became afflicted with blog-induced Tourette's syndrome just as bloggers everywhere started to post George Carlin clips. (RIP, George.)
I watched his "seven words" act this morning for the first time. I'm not sure how I avoided it all these years, but it doesn't really matter. The point is that I was coming to it fresh. I was anxious to see what all of the fuss was about.
I was surprised and disappointed to see that it really wasn't funny. I only laughed once during the ten-minute bit. Now, before you dismiss me as a humourless wench, I will reassure you that I love South Park and I've enjoyed the other Carlin routines I've watched. I was expecting to laugh, if maybe a bit nervously because I don't really like curse words. Instead, I was bored.
Our language is fascinating. These words that we consider offensive can be completely stripped of their meaning when used out of context. Clearly, the words themselves aren't offensive at all. Swearing is for lazy people with poor vocabularies.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Seven words
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3 comments:
CBC played a portion of this clip today. I found it amusing.
Oh, George. I was sad to hear of his passing. I know he's in Heaven, because "Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back" taught me that Carlin lived by the book.
He does make me laugh, and that clip's a good one.
Maybe my problem is that there was too much hype about the seven words. It couldn't have lived up to my expectations.
The problem may be that the routine wasn't meant to be a side-splitter: it was meant to test contemporary sensitivities and challenge the cold and clinical approach to sexuality in 60s and 70s society.
The problem still exists - just look at the fines levied against US networks for Janet Jackson accidentally flashing some boob.
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