Artist commentary:
George Carlin (1937-2008) was an American comedian, writer, actor and is easily my favourite stand-up ever. I consider him a prophet (although he wouldn’t like to be called that) for his social, cultural and political commentary and his ability to condense the ridiculousness of humanity into hilarious and biting routines. He had a profound influence on me and my outlook on the world. Like Carlin, I was raised Catholic and growing up I noticed the same contradictions and delusional thinking that he so perfectly summarised in some of his jokes. Carlin was fearless on stage, covering everything from religion, abortion, murder, suicide, child-rearing, government, patriotism, gun-control, obesity and war. A true hero of mine.
Here's George Carlin doing the racist act that made him famous.
https://youtu.be/-sx-7NucjEk?t=22
Oh wow. That comic starts off cute but made me feel slightly uneasy (I consider myself a hardcore atheist but come on guys, just live and let live) but that video…
I feel quite able to put things back into their historical context, and genuinely thought that maybe that act wasn’t going to be so bad when he starts the US Army sergent schtick, but no… don’t find this redeemable in any way. Like you say, it’s racist, and not much else.
I really like Carlin and I totally put that act in it's historic perspective. He was doing it on the Smothers Brothers show, and they had a long history of fighting censorship.
On the other hand, I think Carlin himself would be laughing at the people who treat him like a spiritual guide.
He was a professional entertainer, and he even had a shortlived show on Fox.