I don’t understand why Bill Maher thinks that it is funny to make light of people financial struggles. I mean seriously, there is nothing humorous about $7 bottle of cooking oil, $50+ to fill your tank, $2K to rent a tiny apartment. It’s all bourgeois signals to the elite, “look at me I’m so above that, I can make fun of the little people. I don’t really thinking anyone is laughing in a haha way, but a bwa haha way (evil and arrogant)
This brings to mind a conversation I had back in the early 80's with a wealthy man in his late 30's when I was a young adult on low wages. I had recently purchased a very modest car and he couldn't understand why I didn't just buy a BMW instead. I said I couldn't afford one and he said the payment would only be $100 more/month. He could not comprehend the extra $100 was impossible for me. Every time I look at the beef prices and all the other food prices (and gas, rent, etc.), I don't know how low income people are eating. Maher is clueless about the cost of living. I will never allow myself to be lectured about cost of living or CO2 by anyone that flies around in a private jet. I have nothing against the wealthy and personally know one in particular that I will listen to, but that one isn't Maher.
Plenty of the wealthy do understand. Then there's those financially secure middle class and upper middle class who can be just as condescending. We are secure with our military pensions, but I haven't forgotten what it was like to be struggling and literally counting pennies. It's hard to see elderly pensioners out working just to get by.
I struggle with Bill. sometimes I love him. most times not. but this is over the top..a big fat NOT.. thanks for sharing it he should admit it. he is a unisex childless man who preaches to oterhs about why they should be like him
Bill Maher is an odd character; at times he is a voice of reason among the left, and other times he's an avatar for some of their most profound problems. In this case, his characteristic sneering and condescension is on full-display in a way that typifies the elitism and disconnection of the mainstream left-wing commentariat.
I have to agree with both of you. Yes, there is much to be frustrated with regarding life in the USA today, particularly with the social manipulation that is harming so many people. And, contrary to Maher's contention, Biden and company are fanning the flames not helping us. But he is correct that people need to buck up and get some perspective. Life sometimes sucks, but we move past it if we so choose. Adam is a perfect example of how that looks.
I actually agree with much of the rest of his monologue. I do think people are over medicated and misinterpret things. But the beginning part is the part I had a problem with...glossing over inflation to make Joe Biden sound like he's doing a good job. Then the icing was saying "hey, you got porn on your phone...you're good!"
Thank you for that Adam. Just when Maher says something I like he follows it with the usual lefty democrat team talking points. It’s like he has a neon sign above his head screaming “I’m one of the democrat sheep. Bhaaaa!” Lecturing us from the dizzying heights of his arrogance and condescension is the ultimate in elitism. He’s hardly a regular guy. His decision to lecture regular Americans about what they are seeing and feeling, as if he’d know, from the heights in his private jet, is laughable and the only really funny thing about him. Billionaire Trump is far more of a regular guy, which is why the elitist sphere hates him so much. He’s a class traitor. Thanks again for shining a spotlight on that gaslighting, condescending jerk Maher. He’s old news and hasn’t been “cutting edge” in a long time, if he ever was.
My pleasure. That article got a lot of traction, which is a sign that I'm on the right track. I sometimes don't know what to expect, especially when it's not in reaction to a big "news story" but man...a lot of people saw what he said and hated it LOL
Thanks, Adam! Bill Maher is becoming less and less funny. Just like a lot of the other comedians that used to seem funny, he’s become pedantic and mean spirited. Don’t have much use for any of them anymore. His humor was always somewhat harsh. But this is just stupid! Whenever I read any of your work, it’s always like a breath of fresh air.
This is very normal for so many in the industry I am not surprised at all & I saw this episode. Very out of touch with most people they are selling their product to.
Not to mention that the entire entertainment biz is one of the most nepotistic ones out there for opportunities and professional growth, despite their continual condescending finger wagging at the rest of the country about how they are racist, sexist or whatever they deem bad. It is relieving you are calling it out, keep it up. All the pretentious cake walk of DEI that comes out of their mouth isn't in their practice for sure.
Great points! It’s so easy to forget that when we invite commentators into our home (via the TV). It’s important to remember this important context. Thank you.
Nice piece and kudos for taking on the subject matter.
I've written about Maher's type before, who I deemed the "beloved messengers". They, more than the tyrants, oligarchs, plutocrats, despots and dictators, are a destructive plague on societies.
These ideological stormtroopers in soft soled jackboots sell the agenda and ideology with a familiar smile, joke, well worn movie tagline or mediocre pop song. They are familiar faces and in many cases idolized and deified by the masses (think sports).
They are the petit elites, that have been methodically grafted to our thoughts and emotions, via decades of institutional marketing. This is why people will listen, believe and laugh with Maher's assessment of the economy and the victims of it.
Maher and his ilk are opportunists and action arms of a system, that keeps them elevated in status, notoriety and finances just enough to be detached, from the realties they survey and comment on. Much like an observer flying at 12,000', over a battlefield littered with bodies and exclaiming "should have ducked", he can spew nonsensical "truth", because he knows he will never be a corps on that field. His only consideration is his own aggrandizement and ego.
I don’t understand why Bill Maher thinks that it is funny to make light of people financial struggles. I mean seriously, there is nothing humorous about $7 bottle of cooking oil, $50+ to fill your tank, $2K to rent a tiny apartment. It’s all bourgeois signals to the elite, “look at me I’m so above that, I can make fun of the little people. I don’t really thinking anyone is laughing in a haha way, but a bwa haha way (evil and arrogant)
This brings to mind a conversation I had back in the early 80's with a wealthy man in his late 30's when I was a young adult on low wages. I had recently purchased a very modest car and he couldn't understand why I didn't just buy a BMW instead. I said I couldn't afford one and he said the payment would only be $100 more/month. He could not comprehend the extra $100 was impossible for me. Every time I look at the beef prices and all the other food prices (and gas, rent, etc.), I don't know how low income people are eating. Maher is clueless about the cost of living. I will never allow myself to be lectured about cost of living or CO2 by anyone that flies around in a private jet. I have nothing against the wealthy and personally know one in particular that I will listen to, but that one isn't Maher.
I'm with you. I don't want to be perceived as hating wealthy people because I don't.
But I don't like it when they disregard our issues because they're unwilling to walk in someone else's shoes for a couple of seconds.
Plenty of the wealthy do understand. Then there's those financially secure middle class and upper middle class who can be just as condescending. We are secure with our military pensions, but I haven't forgotten what it was like to be struggling and literally counting pennies. It's hard to see elderly pensioners out working just to get by.
I struggle with Bill. sometimes I love him. most times not. but this is over the top..a big fat NOT.. thanks for sharing it he should admit it. he is a unisex childless man who preaches to oterhs about why they should be like him
Thank you Adam!
No problem
Bill Maher is an odd character; at times he is a voice of reason among the left, and other times he's an avatar for some of their most profound problems. In this case, his characteristic sneering and condescension is on full-display in a way that typifies the elitism and disconnection of the mainstream left-wing commentariat.
I share your assessment of him. I guess a dead clock is right twice a day.
I have to agree with both of you. Yes, there is much to be frustrated with regarding life in the USA today, particularly with the social manipulation that is harming so many people. And, contrary to Maher's contention, Biden and company are fanning the flames not helping us. But he is correct that people need to buck up and get some perspective. Life sometimes sucks, but we move past it if we so choose. Adam is a perfect example of how that looks.
I actually agree with much of the rest of his monologue. I do think people are over medicated and misinterpret things. But the beginning part is the part I had a problem with...glossing over inflation to make Joe Biden sound like he's doing a good job. Then the icing was saying "hey, you got porn on your phone...you're good!"
I also agreed with him on the medications, especially when it comes to minors.
Thank you for that Adam. Just when Maher says something I like he follows it with the usual lefty democrat team talking points. It’s like he has a neon sign above his head screaming “I’m one of the democrat sheep. Bhaaaa!” Lecturing us from the dizzying heights of his arrogance and condescension is the ultimate in elitism. He’s hardly a regular guy. His decision to lecture regular Americans about what they are seeing and feeling, as if he’d know, from the heights in his private jet, is laughable and the only really funny thing about him. Billionaire Trump is far more of a regular guy, which is why the elitist sphere hates him so much. He’s a class traitor. Thanks again for shining a spotlight on that gaslighting, condescending jerk Maher. He’s old news and hasn’t been “cutting edge” in a long time, if he ever was.
My pleasure. That article got a lot of traction, which is a sign that I'm on the right track. I sometimes don't know what to expect, especially when it's not in reaction to a big "news story" but man...a lot of people saw what he said and hated it LOL
Thanks, Adam! Bill Maher is becoming less and less funny. Just like a lot of the other comedians that used to seem funny, he’s become pedantic and mean spirited. Don’t have much use for any of them anymore. His humor was always somewhat harsh. But this is just stupid! Whenever I read any of your work, it’s always like a breath of fresh air.
Thank you so much, Katie. I appreciate it!
This is very normal for so many in the industry I am not surprised at all & I saw this episode. Very out of touch with most people they are selling their product to.
I believe you
Not to mention that the entire entertainment biz is one of the most nepotistic ones out there for opportunities and professional growth, despite their continual condescending finger wagging at the rest of the country about how they are racist, sexist or whatever they deem bad. It is relieving you are calling it out, keep it up. All the pretentious cake walk of DEI that comes out of their mouth isn't in their practice for sure.
Well done! This was a perfect bite. You are indeed a skilled writer and communicator. Keep up the great work. I passed this on!
Thank you for the compliment and sharing!
Solid article! Thanks for writing it.
Great points! It’s so easy to forget that when we invite commentators into our home (via the TV). It’s important to remember this important context. Thank you.
Nice piece and kudos for taking on the subject matter.
I've written about Maher's type before, who I deemed the "beloved messengers". They, more than the tyrants, oligarchs, plutocrats, despots and dictators, are a destructive plague on societies.
These ideological stormtroopers in soft soled jackboots sell the agenda and ideology with a familiar smile, joke, well worn movie tagline or mediocre pop song. They are familiar faces and in many cases idolized and deified by the masses (think sports).
They are the petit elites, that have been methodically grafted to our thoughts and emotions, via decades of institutional marketing. This is why people will listen, believe and laugh with Maher's assessment of the economy and the victims of it.
Maher and his ilk are opportunists and action arms of a system, that keeps them elevated in status, notoriety and finances just enough to be detached, from the realties they survey and comment on. Much like an observer flying at 12,000', over a battlefield littered with bodies and exclaiming "should have ducked", he can spew nonsensical "truth", because he knows he will never be a corps on that field. His only consideration is his own aggrandizement and ego.
Bill, Bill,..... trying to straddle the fence..... better be careful or you will slip and bust your .....