Lenny Bruce’s Influence in the Country of Charlie Hebdo

Abstract

Charlie Hebdo artists were murdered because they were among the few who had the courage to deconstruct hate and prejudice. They promoted the same values as Lenny Bruce : freedom of speech, orientation and (non)belief. Especially if you're part of a certain majority : women. Nationalists and religious extremists have tried to silence Lenny and Charlie, and ultimately succeeded, but the influence of their art gave munitions for generations who find haven in the French concept of laïcité and pleasure in the religion of hedodism.