We all have heard of the tipping point. But what we are experiencing today is an avalanche point: the moment in time when an avalanche lets loose to bury us. There is nothing subtle about it. This is not the landing of an Indonesian butterfly in New Jersey that changes the world. It isn't chaos theory; it is the logic of friction.
In every generation, there are people who warn about society's problems and excesses. Many of them use humor as their foil. In the past, the articulate and caustic Mark Twain played such a role, as did Will Rogers, W.C. Fields, H.L. Mencken, and, of course, the disturbing Lenny Bruce. More recently, George Carlin took up the fight. Can anyone follow his act? Those who loved him would probably say no.
Social critics are often reviled for their commentary on contemporary practices and attitudes. But these critics generally speak out of concern for humanity's future. They tend to have a deep understanding of human history. They take umbrage at people whose notion of the past extends no further than yesterday and whose vision of the future is limited to tomorrow.
As the social critics tell us, the problems eventually come home to roost and, voilà, the avalanche.