For Jewish comics, Dom Imus is no joke.So, ahh, what do we do with the legacy of Lenny Bruce?:
In the wake of the shock jock's unflattering comments about the Rutgers University women's basketball team and his shockingly swift departure from the national airwaves has come a national discussion about the propriety of character defamation in the guise of humor, and predictions that an era of increased civility will ensue.
Today, boundaries are the subject of discussion. What type of language is an acceptable part of a public performance? Are profanity, sexual references and derogatory references to specific minority groups — Imus' downfall — to be banished by overt legislation or covert consensus?
"Children ought to watch pornographic movies : it's healthier than learning about sex from Hollywood." (from How to Talk Dirty and Influence People, 1965)American stand-up comedian and brilliant satirist, who created much controversy in his time due to his use of so-called 'dirty words' in his nightclub comedy act. The black humor of Bruce's largely improvised shows often overstepped the bounds of what was considered in the 1950s and 1960s respectable. Bruce's performances, his fresh and daring way of breaking rules, influenced such comedians as George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Robin Williams.
"I really dig what they do with a homosexual in this country. They put him into a prison with a lot of other men. That's a really good punishment." (Dustin Hoffman in Lenny)
More on Bruce is here.
Aaaaand while we're talkin', how about Sarah Silverman - will she go on welfare or get a job flipping burgers anytime soon?
“I wear this St. Christopher medal sometimes because—I’m Jewish, but my boyfriend is Catholic—it was cute the way he gave it to me. He said if it doesn’t burn through my skin it will protect me.”And finally (NSFW - but for a good cause, so, what the hell...):
“I was raped by a doctor,” she says. “Which is so bittersweet for a Jewish girl.”
