Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Old Clip Of George Carlin Calling Out Comedians Who Pick On 'Underdogs' Resurfaces Amid Chappelle Backlash

Old Clip Of George Carlin Calling Out Comedians Who Pick On 'Underdogs' Resurfaces Amid Chappelle Backlash
CNN

An old interview clip featuring the late comedian, George Carlin, resurfaced on the internet in the wake of the backlash surrounding Dave Chappelle's transphobic remarks on his Netflix special, The Closer.

Chappelle remained determined not to be "canceled" after he made comments like, "gender is a fact" and identified himself as a "TERF," or "trans-exclusionary radical feminist," on his sixth program with Netflix.


The streaming platform's solidarity with the irreverent stand-up comic resulted in trans staff writers and employees walking off the job last week and comedian Hannah Gadsby lambasting Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos for using her name as an example of the company's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community amidst the controversy.

In 1990, Carlin discussed with Larry King how comedian Andrew Dice Clay should be cautious about his jokes typically aimed at marginalized people.

Many believe Carlin's words back then hold relevancy now with the controversy Chappelle is facing.

"I would defend to the death his right to do everything he does," Carlin said then of Andrew Dice Clay, who is known for his "lewd, rude, and crude" brand of humor.

You can watch the video of the 1990 interview, here.

George Carlin Interview - On Comedians Who Pick On The Underdogsyoutu.be

Carlin continued:

"The thing that I find unusual, and it's, you know, not a criticism so much, but his targets are underdog[s]. And comedy traditionally has picked on people in power, people who abuse their power."
"Women and gays and immigrants are kind of, to my way of thinking, underdog[s]. And, you know, he ought to be careful, because he's Jewish."
"And a lot of people who want to pick on these kind of groups, the Jews are on that list. A little further you've got women, gays, gypsies and boom, boom, boom, and suddenly you find the Jews."

When King asked why Dice Clay was able to "get away" with his offensive jokes at the expense of marginalized people, Carlin replied:

"I think his core audience are young, white males who are threatened by these groups."
"I think a lot of these guys aren't sure of their manhood, because that's a problem when you're going through adolescence. You know, 'Am I really, could I be, I hope I'm not one of them.'"
"And the women who assert themselves and are competent are a threat to these men, and so are immigrants in terms of jobs."

His words resonated with Twitter users.



 



 



 


 



 


 


 


 

Known for his dark comedy and for tackling religion and politics in his standup routines, George Carlin was regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comics of all time.

He died at the age of 71 due to cardiac failure in 2008.

That year, he was posthumously awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which is presented to those who have "had an impact on American society in ways similar to" Twain.

The same honor was presented to Dave Chappelle in 2019.

More from Trending

Country Singer Gavin Adcock went on a drunken rant over Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter" success.
Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images; Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Country singer rants over Beyoncé album

Country singer Gavin Adcock became the title of his next album, “Own Worst Enemy,” after going on an unhinged rant about the legitimacy of Beyoncé's Grammy-winning and record-breaking Cowboy Carter in the country music genre.

Adcock, whose upcoming album is set for release next month, was filmed during a live performance last weekend, complaining that Beyoncé and her album are not “country music.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Dionne Warwick; Tiny Chef
Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images; @ToonHive/X

Dionne Warwick Is Ready To Go To War With Nickelodeon Over 'Tiny Chef' Cancellation

You know your campaign against a show's cancellation is achieving widespread attention when you get people like venerated singer Dionne Warwick advocating for you.

Nickelodeon's The Tiny Chef Show was recently cancelled, much to the dismay of its viewers and creators. It was also a genuinely surprising decision, since the show has won an Emmy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Woman relaxing in sunhat and sunglasses
Photo by Jordan Bauer on Unsplash

People Explain Which 'Small Luxuries' They Can't Live Without

Many of us have committed to being fairly financially frugal and not overspending on silly, unnecessary things.

That is to say, sometimes, it's fun to splurge on something one time to see what it's like to experience that small luxury.

Keep ReadingShow less
two women in emotional distress seated on couch
Ben White on Unsplash

People Who've Experienced Grief Share The Most Tone-Deaf Things They've Heard

Grief, loss, trauma are all part of life. But for most people, the emotions and reactions that go with them are difficult to witness.

So they rely on platitudes to fill any holes in conversation. That's rarely a good idea.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump
Mehmet Eser/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Trump Demands 'Boss Of AT&T' Fix Equipment After Failed Conference Call In Bizarre Meltdown

When most of us have technical difficulties, we contact tech support or customer service.

But if you're President of the United States, just ranting on social media—then having your White House Press Secretary post a screenshot of your post on a social media platform people actually use—is apparently the answer.

Keep ReadingShow less