Connect to outside sources (article/book/podcast/ted talk/blog/website/etc.)
This is a Text investigation. Consider your essential question in the context of at least two outside sources you have identified that connect to your essential question. How do these ideas resonate with or challenge your own beliefs, experiences, or practices? Be sure to give concrete and specific examples. You may want to address: ways the sources answered parts of your Essential Question, what additional questions were raised, or how your essential understanding of your project was altered or confirmed by the readings you did. Make sure to cite your sources.
Current Essential Question: How can I use my knowledge of American civics/politics/law to inspire others to be more informed voters?
It’s hard to dispute the comedic genius of the great George Carlin. His work was hilarious (my favorites are his bits on the Ten Commandments and euphemisms). More than that, it was groundbreaking—just look at how his “seven dirty words” routine led to a Supreme Court case that changed the rules for regulating obscene language on TV and radio. What I admire about Carlin was that his social commentary and comedy were almost indistinguishable.
However, Carlin’s commentary/comedy blend does the audience a disservice when it comes to one issue: voting. In his Back in Town special, Carlin has a bit on why he doesn’t vote. He gives two main reasons for this:
- “It’s meaningless. This country was bought and sold and paid for a long time ago. The s— they shuffle around every four years doesn’t mean a f—— thing.”
- “ … I believe if you vote, you have no right to complain. … If you vote, and you elect dishonest, incompetent people, and they get into office and screw everything up, well you are responsible for what they have done … .”
Before I get into why Carlin is wrong, let me just state that these are jokes. They are primarily intended to make people laugh—and they make me laugh! They are not supposed to encompass the full complexity of the American political system.
And let me make clear that I have no issue with George Carlin exercising his right to free speech. But what disappointed me most about this bit was the audience’s reaction. When he exclaimed, “on election day, I-STAY-HOME. I don’t vote. F— ’em,” the crowd erupted in applause. Thus, I believe it’s reasonable to assume that many of the audience members share Carlin’s views on voting. He may not have been the sole reason why they don’t vote/support voting, but he certainly confirmed their existing beliefs.
I think an effective counter to Carlin’s rhetoric comes from Natalie Wynn, creator of ContraPoints, a YouTube channel which she described as “a long, theatrical response to fascism.” A month before the 2020 Presidential election, Wynn published an essay entitled “Voting,” in which she refutes “leftist[s] … who are so disillusioned with ‘the System’ that they intend not to vote in this election.” One of the rhetorical arguments Wynn confronts is that voting in the 2016 election was meaningless because “there was no real difference between Trump and Hillary.” Wynn contends that there were, in fact, many differences between the two candidates, displaying this list:
I completely agree with Wynn’s argument. It takes a great deal of privilege to say that voting is “meaningless” when the rights of marginalized groups (BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, etc.) are directly affected by who leads the federal government. Voting will not automatically create an egalitarian society, but not voting would do far less to advance that mission.
I believe that George Carlin’s cynical attitudes about voting—when taken to heart and acted upon—are very damaging for our country. And it can be easy to fall for such a trap, especially given all of the weaknesses the COVID-19 pandemic has identified in our democracy. I am designing my course not only as an educational tool, but as a bulwark against cynicism—if young people can learn about how our system works, they may be less disillusioned when it comes to reforming it. In order to get our democracy to begin working for more Americans, we have to educate ourselves and each other, and we have to vote.
Works Cited
“George Carlin – Why I Don’t Vote.” Video, 03:22. YouTube. Posted by Peter S, March 12, 2010. Accessed May 3, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxsQ7jJJcEA.
“Voting | ContraPoints.” Video, 23:39. YouTube. Posted by ContraPoints, October 19, 2020. Accessed May 3, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3Vah8sUFgI.
George Carlin’s bit sounds exactly like a Christmas dinner rant. I think it’s great that you are using your project as a tool to combat the cynical views that some people may have when it comes to voting because, as you wrote about, voting isn’t just about yourself. If people grow up on the ideas that change can be made, rather than the idea that everything is already set in stone, we will have a much better future.