Stuff Conservatives Should Actually Like, Chapter III
Yes, it’s back. That annoying, provocative—did I already mention annoying?—blog series in which I advise you to violate all your most deeply held principles in order to enjoy the arts that most offend you. I gave you apoplexy by saying a kind word about Tina Fey, made your gorge rise by singing the praises of Dexter—and I now move you to the sternest possible expressions of righteous condemnation as I celebrate a transvestite homosexual atheist who, bother the luck, also happens to be the funniest comedian alive.
To which of your favorite transvestite homosexual atheist comedians am I referring? Glad you asked. It’s Eddie Izzard. And the reason conservatives should like him is… well, first off, he’s just so funny! I think his most famous routine is the “Death Star Canteen” where Darth Vader goes to order lunch. But my personal favorite is this one on the difficulties of Latin. (Sorry about the subtitles but I post this version because I think it’s better than the others available. I saw him do an even better version live in LA and laughed so hard I nearly fell out of my seat.)
BEWARE LOTS OF FOUL LANGUAGE!
Okay, here are some more reasons conservatives should like Izzard. He’s clearly classically educated, which we approve of, and his humor comes from a deep understanding of and poignant love for western culture. He clearly is a sincere seeker after truth, which we applaud even when we don’t feel that the truth has yet been found. And for us believers, I would add that his rejection of God strikes me as, well, let’s say a stepping-stone. In any case, I would rather drink with an honest atheist than a pious fraud any day.
And lastly, we should never let the left’s idiot abuse of the notion of tolerance lead us to intolerance. Just because leftists think it’s somehow open-minded to makes excuses for black crime or gay exhibitionism or female rudeness doesn’t mean we should not accept blacks, gays and women per se as equal participants in the great human journey and potential friends and co-workers in the project of liberty. So many worthwhile people like Eddie Izzard, I feel certain, would embrace conservatism if conservatives would just stop turning them away with pharisaical self-righteousness. Just saying.
Anyway, the point is, the guy’s hilarious.
NOTE: A commenter below—in the ever-so-polite way of so many commenters (what is with that?)—has pointed out that Izzard, according to Wikipedia, “dismisses claims that he is a male homosexual, saying he is “a straight transvestite or a male lesbian”. He has also described himself as “a lesbian trapped in a man’s body”, transgender, and “a complete boy plus half a girl”. Whatever. I seem to remember him finally coming out as gay a while back, but since I’m not sleeping with him in any case, it makes no difference to me.
do your homework- Izzard is straight. (Or at least claims to be, and I don’t see any reason to doubt him.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Izzard
Yup, I disagree with his politics, but I love his schtick. Particularly his “Cake or Death” routine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMMHUzm22oE&feature=related
I enjoyed his work as Professor Bedlam in “My Super Ex-Girlfriend”. Reminds me quite a bit of a sort of gayer version of Danny McBride. The foul language is, of course, obligatory in this culture – a sign that he’s “cool” and “adult”. The same reason, I assume, the protagonist in Empire of Lies was once an S&M “top”?
And just try and MULTIPLY Roman numerals! =@[.]@=
Gotta say, dude. YOU’re funnier than he is.
He has a habit too many contemp comedians have, of going on too long on a piece. Margaret Cho, the bitter undignified harridan who was once very funny, does the same thing.
Drew: thanks for reminding conservatives that there are some incredibly talented and funny people out there who, while they may not agree with on every point, are certainly to be enjoyed and appreciated for the abilities they have. Most recently this was once again called to my attention by the unfortunate comments of Tony Bennett, a man who is unbelievably talented and who served his country during WWII. I can appreciate his service and his music, while standing adamantly opposed to his political beliefs.
BTW: If you’ve never seen Eddie Izzard’s retelling of the history of the Church (in his show, “Dressed to Kill”), you should definitely check it out – hilarious!
Agreed. You should rate a professional by his skills and not his politics or religion.
Dressed to Kill is indeed the funniest, and–non un-coincidentally–the least politically motivated of his routines. I’ve said to friends that I think Izzard is a Christian in the cocoon.
On SCSL: Section B, Dexter, I was too late to comment, but really wanted to encourage Klavan (and others) to watch the second season. Dexter’s story is finished at that point. I made a conscience decision not to watch anything after the second season because it could only be worse.
If you’re a Christian, Dexter’s story IS your story. You were born naturally as a murderous psychopath in open rebellion to your Creator. You have yet to be perfected, but you now at least recognize your sinful nature, and must rely on your Father’s Words to guide your very imperfect life. It’s a down-right evangelical story arc, and a useful one too. We’re so accustomed to our own stench that we no longer pay it heed, but Dexter’s reminds us of how truly we offend Heaven.
His best-known (and one of his funniest) routines is probably the “Cake or Death” routine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNjcuZ-LiSY .
The context is explaining why there is no religious prosecution in England. Since their dogma is essentially “be nice to others and have tea and cake with the vicar every two weeks”, what would prosecution be like? Do that or die?
As he says:
- Cake or death?!
- Er… cake, please.
- Very well! Give him cake!
(We’re going
>>>>If you’re a Christian, Dexter’s story IS your story. You were born naturally as a murderous psychopath in open rebellion to your Creator.
But why would the all-powerful, all-good Creator bother creating you that way the first place?