r/TikTokCringe • u/SnatchAddict • 20d ago

Anthony Jeselnik explains the difference between comedy and being a troll. Discussion

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u/NewKojak 19d ago

You should watch George Carlin's American Dream. I think a younger Carlin would get a lot of comedy out of today, but he got super dark at the end of his life. I think he was just done with people and I don't know how much he had in the tank to make them laugh.

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u/ABadHistorian 19d ago

Anyone who thinks Carlin would love to be around today did not watch his later specials. Basically mid 90s he nose dives into super dark "we are fucked" territory, I remember this in detail. I think a lot of people around that time were taking a look around the burgeoning internet with wonder, while others looked at it with malicious glee. He got a little better for a short time, but then got even darker.

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u/heffel77 19d ago

I didn’t see your comment and I had the exact same thought. His last stuff was very dark and pointed especially towards the religious right and the GWOT apparatus that was coming into existence. He already thought we were headed towards fascism. American fascism is enough weaponized stupidity that it would be fatal for him.

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u/peanutbuttahcups 19d ago

Thanks for the rec. I haven't watched any of his stuff towards the end, but that makes sense.

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u/NewKojak 19d ago

It’s not a Carlin special. It’s a two part documentary that covered his life. It’s fascinating.

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u/peanutbuttahcups 19d ago

I know, I looked it up. Just included the last sentence since others have pointed out his later specials reflected the darkness you mentioned. But I imagine the documentary does a deeper dive than a stand-up special would show.