What's in a name?

So, I guess you're wondering why BuddhaBubba, huh?

The name "BuddhaBubba" originates from a bit by the late comedian Bill Hicks. In the 1990s, Hicks was known for his scathing political commentary and unapologetic critiques of American society. One of his most famous bits was about the Waco siege, in which a standoff between federal agents and members of the Branch Davidian religious sect resulted in a violent confrontation and the deaths of over 70 people. Ample ammunition for comedy there right?

In the bit, Hicks refers to David Koresh and poses the question, "Why, when people in the West snap, do they believe they're Jesus as opposed to Buddha?", with the punchline being, "Especially in America, where more people resemble Buddha than Jesus". He then introduces a character named "BuddhaBubba," a redneck who's found enlightenment in the deep south. To me, this character represented the absurdity of organized religion, which is why I first adopted the name. I even used it for my faux production company on the films I made during my Uni days.

More recently, there's another aspect of the name that appeals to me. As someone who has gone through their own spiritual awakening, I know firsthand what it's like to "wake up" to a new understanding of the world. I think the name BuddhaBubba captures this sense of transformation, of taking something familiar and turning it on its head, as well as paying homage to my hero William Melvin Hicks, whose anniversary of his passing happens to be today, on 26th February.

I was also considering the name Bluehole for this blog, alongside BuddhaBubba. I was drawn to the name because it evokes the natural beauty and mystery of a hidden gem in Jamaica that I was shown when I was working on Cruise Ships. There's something magical about the way the water shimmered and the lush foliage that surrounds the pool, and I wanted to capture that feeling in my website name.

In the end, I decided to go with BuddhaBubba because it spoke more directly to my interests in spirituality and humour, but I still feel a connection to the name Bluehole and the place that inspired it. Who knows, maybe someday I'll create a project that's specifically devoted to exploring the wonders of this hidden Jamaican oasis.

Ultimately, I think that's what makes BuddhaBubba so compelling to me. It's a playful and irreverent nod to the contradictions and complexities of life, and a reminder that we don't always have to take things so seriously. Whether you're interested in spirituality, humour, or just exploring new ideas, I hope that BuddhaBubba will be a place where you can find something that resonates with you.