Grouchy about Marx

This is from my Tumblr thingy:

You know what’s great about this? Groucho Marx is remembered as one of the greatest comedians of all time. It’s close to a century since he made any films, yet the films he made STILL echo and reverberate in comedy that’s being written and performed today.

He is a legend, and someone whose legacy massively outshines millions of people who lived at the same time as he did.

And Mrs. Kenneth Van Etten of Corona, California, didn’t think he was funny (though he seemed to think he is). She thought he was so unfunny, she wrote a letter to the editor, put it in an envelope, paid for a stamp, and walked it straight into the post office to make sure it found its recipient. And the editor printed her letter, so her fellow Mrs. Kenneth Van Ettens would know that they were not alone in their disdain for the comic sensibilities of Mr. Marx.

So take heart, all of my wonderful babies in the world who are working so hard to make things that matter to you, and to share them with our fellow humans! You can be one of the most influential artists in your generation, and there’s gonna be someone out there who just doesn’t get you. There’s nothing you can do about it. Don’t waste your time trying to win over the Mrs. Kenneth Van Ettens of the world.

Just do the thing. Make the thing. And keep making good art.