In the beginning of Western philosophy Socrates, Plato and Aristotle ruled the forefront of critical thinking. Without their contributions, we probably would be behind the curb today on modern critical media analysis. For example, such contemporary theorists as Karl Marx and Louis Althusser lend much of their fundamental theory on "ideologies" to Plato's Allegory of the Cave. We may have ended up living in a United States similar to that portrayed in Brave New World (reckless exaggeration). So that begs the question: who are the Socrates, Plato and Aristotle of present-day criticism? Answer: comedians.
Like most Americans, I have a short attention span; though I would thoroughly love to peruse all of Karl Marx's essays on our the bourgeois or ruling class, I would rather hear George Carlin deliver that criticism in a current, relatable format with seemingly perfect delivery (see video above). Comedians like Carlin (deceased) are our most efficient and widely appreciated critical thinkers and commentators today. Although I read critical theory essays in my college level courses, I agree with most Americans in desiring entertainment value to supplement a critique. Satire is the new catalyst for criticism. In this segment of his later stand-up, Carlin does not practice satire in his routine as much as he did in previous years. In fact, as he got older, he spoke the straight truth more frequently in his acts. The level of critical thinking Carlin exerted on the stage is what I strive for everyday. Live on, Uncle George.
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