Posted by The Happy Tutor 
Bakhtin cited by Rageboy: In fact, carnival does not know footlights, in the sense that it does not acknowledge any distinction between actors and spectators. Footlights would destroy a carnival, as the absence of footlights would destroy a theatrical performance. Carnival is not a spectacle seen by the people; they live in it, and everyone participates because its very idea embraces all people. While carnival lasts, there is no other life outside it. During carnival time life is subject only to its own laws, that is, the laws of its own freedom.
In Carnival, a King dances with the Clown. The Priest beds the Virgin. The Advertiser hops across the news set dressed as a Kangaroo, pulling dollar bills from her pouch. Academics carry the Bridal Train of the Beauty as she is married to Wealth. Wisdom kneels beneath the spurs of Ignorance. A Drunken Goat dances, pukes and stinks. In the Superbowl poets compete. Carnival comes but once a year. For that one day, there is no Free Market, only Political Liberty. Then, at dawn, things return to normal and Freedom Reigns. The Wise return to their Solemn Responsibilities, as Judges, Critics, and Pundits. We Fools return to our Dumpsters to meditate next year's Festivities. For even in the most oppressive regimes one day a year has always belonged to us, lest the whole system explode - in laughter. And today, Sirrah, who can say that he or she is oppressed? My Gosh No! I am as Free as the Market. As free as can be, when you're broke, and the health insurance is gone, and the Faith-Based Initiatives want nothing to do with a Neo-Classical Pagan.
Lenore! Turn up the Muzak! I can hear myself think. Today is not Carnival. Do not smile or smirk. Do not simper or pretend to be stupid. Leave that to your Betters. Read the papers, and be of good cheer.
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