Chip Baskets (Zach Galifianakis) from the FX comedy, Baskets, is the quintessential dreamer. An aspiring clown, Chip goes to extremes to make his dreams come true. And while it’s not always clear if the effort is worth the (ample trouble and the endless sacrifices), Chip still stands as an inspiration in a world where dismissing your dreams is par for the course. If you’re prone to big dreams or small ones, take inspiration from these Chip Basket moments from the first season of Baskets.
“Being a clown is the most important thing in the world to me.”
Cheese puffs and shaking off the dreaded puff dust remnants also seem like they’re pretty high on Chip’s priority list, but you can’t deny that he is dedicated to his clowning career, especially when you consider all the sacrifices he makes in pursuit of said dream.
Remember, you’ve gotta identify your target before you can take your shot and you’ve gotta keep your eye on the ball… while allowing ample breaks for snacking.
“We can’t all be florists. Or dishwashers. Some of us have to be artists.”
Pursuing a career in the arts may seem ideal but Chip knows that the journey can bring loneliness and a lack of material gains. That may not sound super inspirational or helpful, but if the realization doesn’t scare you off (even if you’re thinking about a career in the exciting field of ribbon twirling) then you’re probably someone who is built to endure the hardships that come from that hard pursuit. And it’s great to arrive at that realization early in your journey.
It’s also worth noting that if you can stand in, you’re probably someone who deserves the sweet reward that comes when their dreams are finally realized. Unless, of course, you’re an aspiring ribbon twirler. It’s never going to happen.
“I wanna take an ad out in the Yellow Pages. But I want it to stand out, that’s why I want it in the White Pages.”
Chip may not realize the waning power of the phone book, but his instinctive desire to think outside the box is worthy of admiration. Sure, the chances are slim that he’ll bypass the strict standards that govern the White Pages, but an ad sure would stand out amidst a sea of Smith and Jones residential listings, would it not?
Long odds and a lack of precedent should never be enough to stop someone from trying when they’re a dreamer.
“Then I guess I’m a Martha.”
When Chip finds himself overwhelmed more and more by everyday responsibilities, he’s asked if he’s going to be someone who makes a difference, or a Martha. His answer is meant to reflect his sense of defeat, but also his acceptance of a boring, mundane existence.
If you think about it, though, being a Martha isn’t the worst thing to be called. Not only did she have her own car, but she’s humble, and genuinely caring to clowns and coyotes alike (it says a lot about you if you’d be less likely to let the former into your home, by the way). Embodying that kind of goodness is its own dream, really.
Keep an open mind. Sometimes you can stumble upon an all new dream. Or an all new coyote.
“I’m not worried about this bad beginning. Because look at it! I’m sitting in Paris with the most beautiful woman in the world, who told me she’d marry me.”
Perception matters. When you’re holding out hope for your dreams, sometimes all you can do is shut all the negatives (like your wife only marrying you for a Green Card) out and take the time to savor all the little victories that you do get (spare moments when you get to spend time with her). Also, go ahead and savor a seven-foot loaf of bread, though there’s no thinking away the ass-volume-enhancing impact of those carbs. Sorry.
“I AM A CLOON!”
Don’t be shy about who you are and who you’re going to be. Shout it out, even if the world (or your family or your disappointing job) knocks you on your ass as though it were a speeding bull and you were a fancily-attired cloon.
Season 2 of ‘Baskets’ Premieres Thursday, January 19th at 10 PM.
