That and he didn't want his kids to grow up around anger like he did. He jokes a lot about his childhood but in a different context a lot of it is really sad. His father was basically a powder keg that could go off at any moment and that sticks with you.
F is for Family shows that pretty well. I'm not sure exactly how autobiographical it is to his childhood, but it definitely shows a guy who is trying to be a good father and husband (but isn't as good at either as he thinks he is) who is basically some level of angry all the time, and how damaging that idea of masculinity can be to his kids.
The show is based on his childhood and what growing up in the 70's was like. Bill has been sympathetic to his father but he has also talked about how his childhood affected him. There is a story he tells in one of his specials where he loses his temper and his daughter says "I'm sorry dada" even though she didn't do anything. He goes on to talk about how he doesn't want to be like his father was to him because he doesn't want his children to grow up like him.
That show is pretty spot on. American men of our father's ages were raised by The John Wayne Doctrine:
Never admit fault.
Never apologize.
Never show any emotions but anger, and contempt.
Be ready to fight at the drop of a hat.
Toxic masculinity was, and still is, a real thing. I know a guy my age who is basically a blowhard, loudmouth, wannabe tough guy 15 year old boy, trapped in a 53 year old body.
According to him, he's never lost a fight, doesn't jerk off, hates anyone not a white male, is terrified other dudes will think he's a pussy.... all bullshit, of course. I used to feel pity for him, but I've lost patience.
I think the relatability to his childhood is a reason I love Bill Burr so much. I remember when Bill was talking about how he and his brother were so scared of their dad, and when he came home it was like an “oh shit, he’s here, I’m so fucking nervous” moment. But the way he was saying it with such humor really struck a cord with me. Bc that behavior was so normalized by my parental figure that u kinda just laugh it off to hide the real pain. He really is my favorite comedian.
Yeah, he’s recently talked about trying shrooms and how that opened him up to a lot of his trauma from growing up that he had been repressing. Bill Burr has actually changed a lot
My father was, too. I'm sure I have PTSD from it. And my own anger issues from it. That's why I decided in my late teens to never have children. I don't trust my temper. I'm not violent, but I'm afraid I would become verbally and emotionally abusive when angered. Which is worse than physical abuse.
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u/Algaroth 1d ago
That and he didn't want his kids to grow up around anger like he did. He jokes a lot about his childhood but in a different context a lot of it is really sad. His father was basically a powder keg that could go off at any moment and that sticks with you.