Over the years, much of the details of his experiences have been censored, in particular the language he used. He used the f word but also the vernacular for urine, feces, bundles of sticks, and many slang terms we today read online all the time. But back in the 50s and early 60s such words were not acceptable. He WAS a blue comedian but unlike today's comics who speak that way to look edge, Lenny did it as comment about society. Just as some artists try to shock in order to make us look at things in a new light, Lenny might do things like say the f word for minutes with different inflections, just to refocus our minds.
Anyway, what black comedians say these days and get away with, Lenny said back then and they arrested him for it.
THAT'S what got him arrested? A more true statement could not be made.
Over the years, much of the details of his experiences have been censored, in particular the language he used. He used the f word but also the vernacular for urine, feces, bundles of sticks, and many slang terms we today read online all the time. But back in the 50s and early 60s such words were not acceptable. He WAS a blue comedian but unlike today's comics who speak that way to look edge, Lenny did it as comment about society. Just as some artists try to shock in order to make us look at things in a new light, Lenny might do things like say the f word for minutes with different inflections, just to refocus our minds.
Anyway, what black comedians say these days and get away with, Lenny said back then and they arrested him for it.
Thank you for elaborating.