Carl Reiner was writing about large derrières long before Sir Mix-a-Lot

(Image credit: Arsenio)

last updated 8 January 2015

It seems that before comedy legend Carl Reiner helped create the Dick Van Dyke Show and had a hand in launching Steve Martin's career with The Jerk, he dabbled in poetry. On Arsenio Tuesday night, Reiner staged the TV debut of a poem he wrote in 1942, "Ode to the Buttocks Bountiful." It's pretty much what it sounds like — he likes big butts and he cannot lie. Host Arsenio Hall cut to the chase: When it comes to declaring our love for ample derrières, forget race: "We're all one." Racism, solved? Other -isms? Well.... --Peter Weber

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Explore More

Speed Reads

To continue reading this article...

Create a free account

Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.

Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.

Cancel or pause at any time.

Already a subscriber to The Week?

Unlimited website access is included with Digital and Print + Digital subscriptions.
with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.

Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.

Subscribe to The Week

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox