America's Unofficial Fool

Just watched Abel Raises Caine on Hulu.

Alan Abel,

master hoaxer has been called many things--many of which are not very polite. He's known for pulling the leg of the American Media and Public until both legs are in his hand.

But the one thing I haven't seen him called is a 'fool.'

But that is precisely his occupation, in the old sense of the word.

His antics defuse tension, irritate, anger and amuse the people--while pointing subtly to the everyday manipulation of their emotions for profit by industry, government and individuals.

The job of Fool, traditionally is a very hard lot. Th job description is to point out errors to people who are extremely powerful, and do not want to hear about any errors of judgment. Using humor allows you to point at serious issues without being attacked for it: "it was only a joke!" But, of course, few jokes are "just a joke."

Very traditionally, humor is a way to deal with issues without having anyone lose face while pointing it out. Some rulers have no sense of humor--and the Fool ends up dead.

Despite modern attitudes, a Fool is an intelligent, quick-thinking person--with the courage to joke about things which if talked seriously about, might end in death.

Alan is a grandmaster Fool. A major asset to humanity.