The Evolution and Decline of Dilbert: A Look at Scott Adams' Legacy

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Scott Adams, the creator behind the iconic comic strip Dilbert, has passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with prostate cancer. His ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced the news during a livestream.

A Legacy of Humor and Critique

At its height, Dilbert was a daily read for 30-40 million people. The comic strip humorously critiqued office life and the often bewildering language used by bosses. Over the years, Dilbert generated significant revenue through books, TV shows, and merchandise.

The Birth of Dilbert

Adams conceived Dilbert while working in management roles in San Francisco during the 1980s. The comic strip followed Dilbert, a timid engineer, and his struggles with coworkers and his boss, who was obsessed with the latest management trends. The strip debuted in 1989, coinciding with the tech industry's boom. Adams' humor resonated deeply with those navigating the complexities of the 1990s workplace.

Evolution and Controversy

Dilbert's initial success led to best-selling books, a TV series, and a plethora of merchandise. However, over time, the comic's tone evolved. Adams began to incorporate more of his personal views, shifting the humor from collective laughter to more pointed criticism. Dogbert, Dilbert's intelligent dog, started delivering lengthy monologues that felt more like opinion pieces than comedy.

After the 2008 financial crisis, Adams' political views became more pronounced. Dilbert transitioned from poking fun at office life to critiquing experts, the media, and institutions. The humor became more aggressive, and the comic's message shifted accordingly. Adams became an early supporter of Donald Trump's presidency, which alienated many of his readers.

Recent Controversies

In 2023, Adams sparked controversy by stating that Black Americans were a “hate group” based on a poll. This led to Dilbert being dropped by numerous newspapers and publishers. Adams claimed he was targeted by a “woke mob,” which endeared him further to Trump supporters. Last year, Adams revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis and requested Trump's assistance in expediting treatment for a new drug. Trump responded supportively on Truth Social. Today, Trump posted about Adams' passing, calling him a “great influencer.”

A Lasting Impact

Scott Adams' work on Dilbert left an indelible mark on popular culture, capturing the frustrations and absurdities of modern work life. His legacy, however, is a complex blend of humor, controversy, and evolving perspectives.