We've always loved the comic strip For Better or Worse. We looked forward to it every morning for the past 30 years. It started the year after our son, Jon was born. It really seemed as though Lynn Johnston's life mirrored our own.
This past Sunday, the joke in the comic didn't sit right with me. I just didn't find it funny. It felt mean spirited.
I know that the comic storyline ended in September of 2008, just when we left Chicago and moved to Hawaii. When Lynn Johnston's comic strip life ended, so did our life in Chicago. She then restarted the strip with a mixture of new and old just as we were beginning our lives in Hawaii.
I wouldn't have posted about this strip except for the fact that later in the day Art asked, "Did you read For Better or Worse this morning? What did you think? It bothered me."
I just thought it was interesting that it bothered both of us. We didn't think it was funny. We would never say anything like that even in jest. We may be liberal in politics, but perhaps we're conservative in our comic humor.
Then again, maybe it's just us.
This past Sunday, the joke in the comic didn't sit right with me. I just didn't find it funny. It felt mean spirited.
I know that the comic storyline ended in September of 2008, just when we left Chicago and moved to Hawaii. When Lynn Johnston's comic strip life ended, so did our life in Chicago. She then restarted the strip with a mixture of new and old just as we were beginning our lives in Hawaii.
I wouldn't have posted about this strip except for the fact that later in the day Art asked, "Did you read For Better or Worse this morning? What did you think? It bothered me."
I just thought it was interesting that it bothered both of us. We didn't think it was funny. We would never say anything like that even in jest. We may be liberal in politics, but perhaps we're conservative in our comic humor.
Then again, maybe it's just us.
Oh, yea. Be cautious what you blurt out however it's meant.
ReplyDeleteI don't find that particular strip installment humorous, either.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way when I read that earlier this week....it just seemed so out of character for the normal storyline.
ReplyDeleteI read it, too. I also wondered about that one. Interesting that so many of us were bothered by it. So completely out of character. I still read it, but I miss the old one that ended in 2008. They felt like family members.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved FBOFW and have read it for decades...sadly Lynn's marriage ended very badly (he did leave, very publicly with another woman...)and I'm thinking that may be flavouring this particular strip???
ReplyDeleteJust a thought,
have a wonderful day
Niki
PS. just to add, the marriage broke up several years ago, this is not recent news.
ReplyDeletesad, if true...
ReplyDeleteYou and Art are definitely on the same wave-length, and it's a good one. I love your daily thoughts, Kay! Great minds think alike.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. It is mean spirited. I think it is great that Art pointed out to you how it made him feel. You two are definitely on the same wave-length.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way and it is one of my favorites...
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately this is typical humor in parts of the country. I heard this kind of humor most of my life, still do. I think it has to do with education, the socio-economic level, and the fact that some people are just crude.
ReplyDeleteAw shucks...it's a true thought: dreaming of being single would be a big difference. Maybe a little rough; just shows all marriages aren't red roses all the time. Most men gladly give up their dreams for "man-caves" because they like marriage. My Dad introduced my Mom as his Favorite Wife sometimes, or "my girlfriend." Both true! DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteNot funny, but not many cartoons are not funny these days. I don't even read them.
ReplyDeleteThe political cartoons are the worst. I don't particularly care for Sarah Palin, but the jokes about her were cruel. I miss Herblock. He could make a point without slandering someone.
Dianne
Yes, bitter and not funny. We all seem to agree.
ReplyDeleteIt's only a comic strip, after all. I think this is in the back of everyone's mind who has been married a long time, but no one wants to admit it.
ReplyDeleteBut so what? Life goes on.
You have to make choices. Every time you open a door, another one closes.
So I don't think it's necessary to block out that knowledge.
I agree, it is out of character. More sitcom style than "For Better or Worse."
ReplyDeletewonder if she's having marriage troubles? if she's mirroring her life...
ReplyDeleteseems the joke fell flat-
ReplyDeleteBTW, I mention and link to you tomorrow, Kay!
Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
> < } } ( ° >
It's funny if it's not alien to the usual style of the strip. When it is contrary it hangs awkwardly and leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Awww... thank you, Cloudia!
ReplyDeleteNo, didn't think it was funny either. Would not say that, even in jest. I've been noticing for a long time that the media puts a lot of sarcastic 'humor' out there and I don't think it is a good thing, especially when young ears are listening.
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad and as you rightly said "mean spirited".
ReplyDeleteNo that one is not funny at all
ReplyDeleteI don't read comic strips, maybe because I don't find them funny. I certainly didn't find this one funny.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do love is that Art actually mentioned it later in the day. You two are quite a couple.