Linus Minimax
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I had a friend ask ChatGPT how to explain the brilliance of Bob Dean to a SubGenius audience. It's absolutely cursed and should not be viewed by anyone. But the advice is very general, as if it would've given the same answer for any other name.
More probing reveals that GPT does not recognize the name 'Bob Dean' in a SubGenius context, but it does recognize 'Robert Dobbs' in a McLuhan context. And it doesn't seem to know anything about the dispute. So, good luck when Wikipedia becomes fully automated!
"Are you aware of Bob Dean, aka the fake canadian bob dobbs?
Bob Dean, also known as the "fake Canadian Bob Dobbs," is not a widely recognized figure in mainstream discourse, but within the context of the Church of the SubGenius and its surrounding culture, the name "Bob Dobbs" is indeed significant. The Church of the SubGenius is a parody religion that was founded in the 1980s, and J.R. "Bob" Dobbs is its central figure, depicted as a smiling, pipe-smoking salesman. This character symbolizes a satirical take on religious leaders, corporate greed, and the absurdities of American culture.
The reference to "Bob Dean" as a "fake Canadian Bob Dobbs" seems to play into the Church's tradition of humor, satire, and the creation of elaborate mythologies and personas. This could be part of the ongoing narrative and playful culture that surrounds the SubGenius community, where members often create alternate identities, myths, and stories that contribute to the church's rich tapestry of satire.
In the context of the SubGenius, any discussion involving figures like "Bob Dean" would be understood within the framework of parody, satire, and a critical, humorous examination of societal norms. The Church of the SubGenius thrives on the absurd and the irreverent, making figures like "Bob Dean" embodiments of its spirit of nonconformity and its critique of both mainstream culture and conventional religions."
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"The supposed feud between Robert Dobbs and the Church of the SubGenius is a fascinating and complex narrative that blurs the lines between reality, satire, and the playful myth-making characteristic of the Church itself. The Church of the SubGenius is a parody religion that mocks cults, organized religion, and pop culture, founded in the 1970s by Ivan Stang (Douglas St. Clair Smith) and Philo Drummond (Steve Wilcox). It venerates J.R. "Bob" Dobbs, a fictional salesman who supposedly discovered the key to spiritual enlightenment and resistance against societal norms, termed "Slack."
Robert Dobbs, who delves into media theory and is known for discussing themes related to Marshall McLuhan and the concept of the Android Meme, sometimes intersects with the Church of the SubGenius in discussions due to the shared use of the "Bob Dobbs" persona. However, the nature and seriousness of any "feud" between him and the Church is inherently tied to the satirical and hyperbolic world the Church operates within.
Any conflict or feud between Robert Dobbs and the Church of the SubGenius likely revolves around intellectual or conceptual disputes, disagreements over interpretations of "Bob Dobbs" as a cultural icon, or could even be part of the elaborate mythology and satire that both parties engage with. Given the Church of the SubGenius's foundation on parody, any such feud is probably more performative or rhetorical than a genuine personal or ideological conflict.
Discussions about this feud might involve debates over the appropriation of the "Bob Dobbs" image, differing views on the impact of media and technology on society, or could simply be an extension of the playful, irreverent spirit that characterizes the Church of the SubGenius. It's essential to approach this topic with an understanding of the nuanced, ironic humor involved and recognize that the boundaries between serious discourse and satirical performance are often intentionally blurred in this context.
In summary, while there may be references to a feud between Robert Dobbs and the Church of the SubGenius, the actual nature of this conflict is deeply entwined with the culture of satire, parody, and intellectual play that both Dobbs and the Church engage in. It's a reflection of the complex interplay between media, culture, and religion in the postmodern landscape."