Ghost of a flea: The Johnson Family

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December 07, 2004

The Johnson Family

"The Johnson Family" was a turn of the century expression to designate good bums and thieves. It was elaborated into a code of conduct. A Johnson honors his obligations. His word is good and he is a good man to do business with. A Johnson minds his own business. He is not a snoopy, self-righteous, trouble-making person. A Johnson will give help when help is needed. He will not stand by while someone is drowning or trapped under a burning car.
- William S. Burroughs , The Place of Dead Roads (1983)

Posted by Ghost of a flea at December 7, 2004 09:47 AM

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Comments

Hey I remember that book... if you've read that one you have to read

"You Can't Win" by Jack Black

Posted by: The Meatriarchy at December 7, 2004 08:08 PM

Johnsons are good people. You never know where they'll turn up. Lots of them in the blogosphere. The world needs more.

Here's one of my favorite Burroughs passages contrasting these highest of the low with the lowest of the low:

"And a hotel clerk in Tunis; I handed him some money to put in the safe. He put the money away and looked at me: 'You do not need a receipt Monsieur.' I looked at him and saw that he was a Johnson, and knew that I didn't need a receipt.

Yes, this world would be a pretty easy and pleasant place to live in if everybody could just mind his own business and let others do the same. But a wise old black faggot said to me years ago: 'Some people are shits, darling.' I was never able to forget it."

-- William S. Burroughs, "My Own Business"

Posted by: Eric Scheie at December 10, 2004 09:44 AM