We All Need A Little Randal (and Silent Bob) in Our Lives

I know that Clerks and Clerks II are profane and over-the-top outrageous (not to mention hysterical, in my humble opinion), but I really love those two movies. I know that I have a bit of Dante Hicks in my personality. And I am convinced that we all could stand to have someone a bit like Randal Graves in our lives. Someone that pushes our buttons, that pushes our boundaries, that fearlessly broaches the outrageous and even taboo topics, that isn’t cowed by authority or bound by convention, and that is in our corner even when we are not all that much fun to be around. Someone that isn’t afraid to tell another friend or even a significant other when they are out of line. Someone that will leap to our defense when everyone else is all too eager to join in on us. Someone that would take a bullet for us. Someone that is the yin to our yang. Someone that will call us on our bullshit and bring a pity party to an end.

Admittedly, putting up with someone that is dialed up to 10 in the outrageous, outspoken, and uncompromising department all the time could wear thin pretty fast. But life can certainly be more colorful and fun when we have someone like that in our corner that likes us for who we are. It can also make life more bearable when the inevitable trials and tribulations come calling. When we inevitably bumble and stumble into hard times or trouble, they are there. Perhaps they are even bagging on us. But they are there.

In truth, we might get some of these things from various people in our lives rather than a single individual. We might have a shy and reserved friend that turns into a rabid wolverine when someone attempts to disparage us or take advantage of us. It could be a family member with sage words of advice when we need them most. It could be the friend with the irreverent sense of humor sharing a scandalous joke or observation. A Randal by committee could certainly work.

As for a Silent Bob, we should certainly value those taciturn individuals that offer up jewels of wisdom when they do speak. They can be rare.

Below are some links to video clips from Clerks and Clerks II. Just keep in mind that they are decidedly NSFW. Enjoy and be grateful for any Randals and Silent Bobs in your life. And keep an eye out for them if you don’t have them in your life.