"Paper tiger" is a literal English translation of the Chinese phrase zhilaohu. The term refers to something or someone that claims or appears to be powerful and/or threatening but is ineffectual and unable to withstand challenge.
A perfect term to describe Bill Burr.
Nailed it!
This has been Bill’s shtick for many years, and it works for him. It’s made Bill very successful. He brings this act with him to the roles he’s played on TV, the animated show he created “F-is for Family” on Netflix, his podcast, as a guest on late night talk shows, other celebrity podcasts, and of course his standup comedy.
He’s been angry a very long time and it’s awesome! In my opinion, he could be the greatest angry comedian of all time.
Case in point: The Philadelphia Incident.
If you’re not familiar with this, I highly suggest listening to the 2006 performance that many say is the greatest 11+ minutes of any comedian viciously turning on a crowd.
To make a long story short, Bill was preforming at a festival alongside his friends (some of the best comics of that time) in Philadelphia but the audience was out of control and Burr wasn’t having it, so Bill spontaneously went off with one of the most genius and out of control rants ever caught on the comedy stage.
And a star was born!
Paper Tiger is no different than anything else Bill’s done on stage. He’s pissed and you’re going to know why he’s pissed. He lashes out at the #MeToo movement, political correctness, feminists, his wife, and even those speaking for the handicap, but Bill also shines when talking about race relations.
Bill is one of the few white comics that can get away with the content he gets away. Maybe it's the honesty? It also doesn’t hurt that Bill’s wife is African American, which allows him to discuss personal situations in a way that’s not threatening in the least bit. He’s mastered that ability better than any comic alive, black or white! He proves that when hilariously discussing trying to watch TV with his wife.
Bill Burr isn’t for everyone though. If angry white guys turn you off, you may want to skip this one.
On a side note, Paper Tiger was beautifully shot in front of a packed house at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. I loved the feel of this special. Bill brings his act to a rock star level while remaining personable.
Even though the Philadelphia Incident remains Bill’s rawest and most genius moment, Paper Tiger is the pinnacle of his long crafted shtick. I loved it.
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