(In)famous comedian George Carlin passed away this weekend at the age of 71. Many people will probably remember him best for his “Seven Words You Can’t Say on TV” skit that got him arrested for disturbing the peace. His passing, and his life as a comic who questioned the absurdity of what is considered “bad” or “shocking” or even “inappropriate” by society can be carried over into writing as well.

Take, for instance, the ALA’s yearly list of most frequently banned books. Banned books have always intrigued me. Something about getting my book-loving hands on something “forbidden” seems so enticing. Most of these books have been challenged because of their questionable content. I find that very disturbing. In a time when people are reading less than ever, why not give them something different to read? Maybe, just maybe, by introducing them to a concept like homosexuality or sexuality in general will make them think, consider their preconceived notions and discover that for whatever it’s worth, a book is just a bunch of words strung together to convey one person’s ideas.

Which ties this together with the George Carlin sketch: words are just words. It’s the associations that we tie to them that make them “bad” or “inappropriate”. Censoring words and books is just a way for the powers that be to further control the masses with their own ideas of what’s right for everyone else. We are all adults and should be able to decide for ourselves what is good and what is bad for us. To those who disagree, in the words of George Carlin, Fuck You!

(Did that offend you? It felt good to type those words and not to censor myself!)