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I confess that I have occasionally threatened to smack some of my kids. And sometimes I have even made good on that threat, loudly, on the child's cheek, with my lips. And sometimes, at bedtime, instead of giving the kids hugs and kisses, I give them (gentle) slugs and hisses, which usually results in fits of giggles. Words have weight, but our language is complex, and a word like "smack" has multiple nuances from affection and pleasure to abuse. Elly probably wasn't threatening to kiss Michael, but perhaps was planning to emphasise her displeasure with a hand planted firmly but painlessly on a small rump.

Jolein V, Oregon City, OR, USA

Why are people so riled over telling a child if he doesn't stop something annoying that he will get some form of punishment?

She said "smack" - is that a smack on the hand, face, behind, with a spoon, a belt or other mechanism? Some are a normal punishment but yes, taking it too far would be abusive. BUT:

After all the years of this srip, do you really think Elly is physically abusive? Is there a hidden panel I missed where Michael is beaten or a recurring theme of over-the-top punishment? No? Therefore, it didn't happen.

As for those who look at the strip as not humourous, this strip has covered many controversial issues and many strips were not funny in the comic relief sense. They were life. Lawrence coming out, Elizabeth being assaulted are the most extreme two that immediately spring to mind as "unfunny" story arcs.

Paul, Kitchener, ON, Canada

I see so many comments about how the "old" Ellie was a much nicer person than the "new" or "young" Ellie. The "new" Ellie is the same one that was around in the early strips. Attitudes have changed so much in the last 30 years that what we saw as normal and amusing in 1981 some people now see as abusive, shrill and unhappy.

I really feel sorry for anyone who can't see humor in 30-year old comic strips just because they weren't written with 2010 attitudes and sensibilities (which, in my opinion are much too PC and restrictive). It was not considered child abuse to "smack" or swat on the butt a misbehaving child. It was not unusual for husbands to still have John's attitudes about Ellie staying at home and the work she does there. In fact, for the time, John was quite enlightened and supportive. The fact that Ellie mellowed as she got older reflects a great deal on changing sensibilities, but also the fact that Mike & Lizzie grew up and she didn't have to deal with small children on a constant basis anymore.

I guess bottom line of what I'm trying to say is that we of 2010 don't see things the same way we of 1980 did. The world has changed, and John & Ellie are still the same people they were back in 1980. That makes what they say and do a little anachronistic, but not bad.

Jan C, Victorville, CA, USA