Professional Anthropologist vs. Professional Comedian
             When one compares Clifford Geertz, PhD anthropologist, to Eddie Izzard, British transvestite comedian, one would think they would share absolutely nothing in common. However the two men's professions aren't all that different when "everything is laid out on the table." As a project Clifford Geertz and his wife traveled to Bali in order to study the culture of the Balinese but, more importantly, the cockfighting that means more to the Balinese people than just a sport. As part of this project Geertz reported his findings in an essay titled "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight," which he would later read as a speech at a seminar. Eddie Izzard is a world-renowned comedian known for his high heels, lipstick, and knee slapping shows. In a recent show "Dress To Kill," Izzard, like Geertz, travels to places both familiar and slightly foreign from his own. Although Izzard's projects and shows are laid back and entertain many with comedy, his shows are more than for comedic purposes but political reasons as well. Izzard's shows and especially "Dress To Kill" demonstrate his intelligence and ability bring to light matters that others may ignore or never realize.
             "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight" is an amalgamation of a narrative essay and philosophical study on the complexities of cockfighting. This essay gives articulate descriptions of the nature of Balinese cockfighting, while at the same time illustrating the philosophical aptitude of Clifford Geertz. From the standpoint of an outsider, Geertz takes us on a voyage into the underlying depth, art and convolution of the Balinese cockfight. While Geertz takes us to a place foreign to both him and I, Izzard comes to our country and gives his standpoint. Izzard's opinions touch on various subjects ranging from the NRA, to the royal family, to ...