Before I start, a disclaimer: I am not a fan of Bill Maher. His smug attitude always reminds me of all those atheists I have met on the Internet who attack Christians for their beliefs in the “Flying Spaghetti Monster”. So when he attacked Stan Lee, I rolled my eyes and thought that was the end of it. I did address him in my tribute, but that was all I did. But lately, he has not refused to give it up. He believes that we are a nation of children–that “only a nation of children would vote for Donald Trump and think comic books are important.” He calls out millennials for their “adulting” and celebrating these superheroes.
People such as comic book writer Peter David have called him out on this, and I am joining in. Maher, let me quote a former atheist you probably never read because he’s a stupid Christian: “When I became an adult, I put away childish things, including the desire to be grownup.”–CS Lewis. Just because you become an adult and have the responsibilities that come with it doesn’t mean that you suddenly have to give up the things you loved as a child. Did you know that the adults who draw and write those comic books you bemoan still have to pay bills and buy groceries, just like you do? They are doing a job they love. And what is so wrong with that?
I believe that you are never “too old” for the things you love. I still read comics. I still watch cartoons. I still love science fiction. All of these are things I’ve loved as a child. There is nothing wrong with still having these interests while being a “responsible adult”. It’s called “budgeting your time”.
Mr. Maher, if you want to know who the real child is, it’s you. You are a bully, and speaking as someone who has dealt with bullies, they are the biggest children you will ever meet. By demeaning us for loving the things that we enjoyed as children, you are being a bully. Do us all a favor, and grow up. Practice what you preach.
Aspie Catholic 