You're not fond of him, are you?!
I'd agree that he could obviously come across as smug, and that some of the targets he picks are very easy. Then again, so are many of the targets, I dunno, Chris Rock picks (I like Chris Rock, for the record). Very few comedians are half as subversive as they think, and that definitely includes Bill Hicks.
But I don't think the other charges stick.
I agree that there are many terrible stand-ups in the UK, but I think the notion that America is any better (which I'm presuming is the subtext of what you're saying) is bizarre. Sure, I love Demetri Martin, Emo Phillips, Mitch Hedberg (RIP) etc, but pseudo-shocking stuff like Scott Capurro is as loathsome as the worst Jongleurs night. And there are dozens who never even make it to British consciousness, obviously.
"Bill hicks is a performer. he belongs on stage". Absolutely. He's just not a comedian. And, incidentally, he's one of the most popular ever comedians among students trying to prove how radical they are....
"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your fuckin' mouth." This kind of stuff is idiotic teenage pseudo-rebellion. Looking like a fucking idiot stuck six feet under, aren't ya Bill? Sorry, but it's true - I don't see where hicks got a free pass to say stuff that other people have been rightly ridiculed for saying.
And - "Children are smarter than any of us. Know how I know that? I don't know one child with a full time job and children." You can hear this type of stuff at Jongleurs or wherever every weekend.
Sorry, overlong rant over.
