Carlos Aguilar: Part 2

Carlos Aguilar’s Upbringing and Career Motivations:

Carlos Aguilar, also known as Big Brown Dad, grew up in Bassett, which is near La Puente. He felt a significant cultural and economic gap between his community and the glamorous world of Hollywood. This sense of disconnect served as a driving force behind his career choices. Desiring to be part of the “cool stuff” he saw on TV as a child, Carlos pursued careers in entertainment and advertising. These fields allowed him the opportunity to work on television shows, collaborate with celebrities, and engage with well-known brands, thereby realizing his dreams and closing that perceived gap from his childhood.

Educational Experiences and Philosophy:

Carlos’s educational journey is marked by his attendance at Occidental College and later, Biola University, where he studied philosophy. His deep interest in philosophy was initially fueled by his conversion to Christianity at the age of 17. This transformation led him to delve into Christian apologetics, a discipline focused on defending the historical claims of Christianity. Over time, however, Carlos found a disconnect between his lived experiences and the doctrines he was studying. This realization prompted him to question and eventually move away from his evangelical identity, choosing instead to follow a more nuanced and personal pursuit of truth.

Craft Beer Collaborations:

In addition to his work in entertainment and advertising, Carlos has also ventured into the craft beer industry. In collaboration with Norwalk Brewhouse, he has launched two notable beers that resonate with cultural significance. One beer was developed in partnership with Olympic gold medalist Brenda Villa, allowing Carlos to connect with his childhood fascination with the Olympics. Another beer was created in collaboration with Don Clemente Loteria, a traditional Mexican board game, which holds sentimental value for many Hispanic families. Carlos’s contributions to these projects include writing meaningful messages, or benedictions, on the cans, further embedding cultural relevance into the products.

Comedy and Stand-up:

Recently, Carlos has embarked on a journey in stand-up comedy, viewing it as the highest form of philosophy. Despite having extensive experience in public speaking as a teacher, rapper, and poet, Carlos finds stand-up comedy to be uniquely challenging and nerve-wracking. Each performance brings a fresh wave of anxiety, but the drive to share his jokes and insights with an audience outweighs the fear. This new venture allows him to explore deep philosophical ideas through humor, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging.

Philosophical and Religious Transformation:

Throughout his life, Carlos has undergone significant philosophical and religious transformations. Initially committed to an evangelical Christian identity, he spent about a decade deeply involved in teaching, preaching, and defending Christian doctrines. However, his continuous quest for knowledge and truth led him to reevaluate his beliefs. Carlos now advocates for a flexible, questioning approach, emphasizing the instrumental value of belief systems. He suggests that while certain doctrines can be beneficial for personal and communal growth, one does not need to fully subscribe to their metaphysical claims.

Instrumental Value and Broader Pursuit of Truth:

Carlos emphasizes the concept of instrumental value, which refers to the practical benefits of adopting certain belief systems or practices, even if one does not completely agree with their foundational principles. For example, he acknowledges that religious systems like Christianity or Buddhism can provide structure, ethical guidelines, and a sense of community, contributing positively to individuals’ lives. This practical approach allows for a balanced view that appreciates the benefits of these systems without demanding ideological conformity.

Reflections on Cultural and Social Dynamics:

Carlos often reflects on the cultural and social dynamics within the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. He acknowledges the shifts in cultural hubs, such as the decline of mall culture and the rise of new community spaces. His involvement in diverse projects, from educational tours to craft beer collaborations, showcases his commitment to fostering cultural connections and enriching the communal fabric of his surroundings.