Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Comic Relationships
* Scripture: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:18,19, NKJV

Ah, Memories! there is nothing quite like dipping down deep into the memory bin, stirring them up a bit, watching them swirl around, and grabbing onto one or two for a trip down memory lane. I did a little stirring recently when I ran across an internet web site about comic strips - Don Markstein's Toonopedia™ Home Page. Talk about traveling back in time!
Many of the strips from the days of my youth were represented. I especially enjoyed “Out Our Way,” by J. R. Williams. It opened a new world for me, because he drew upon his experiences working in a factory, with cowboys on the range, and typical family situations. There was “Our Boarding House, “ with the ever pompous Major Hoople and his long-suffering but efficient wife, Martha. Some, like “Smokey Stover,” were pure foolishness, but the made-up words fascinated me, like “Foo’ and Notary Sojack.”
I have had a deep interest in the comic strip technique that goes beyond the quick bit of life or humor. All the essential elements of art, writing, film and video presentation all represented, and distilled to a potent essence. I used comic panels to illustrate the techniques of picture composition, movement of the story line, and compression of time in teaching television production.
I still use selected strips in teaching Bible studies. My maternal grandfather had no use for the comics, considering them to be a bunch of rubbish. Never-the-less, I find that they can be used effectively in making a point, or fleshing out an illustration.
Keep in mind that they do not have to be Biblical (although sometimes they may be, the occasional “B.C.,” or “Peanuts,” for example.) An illustration presenting what ‘IS NOT’ can be just as effective as what ‘IS’ if used properly.
Take relationships; that is what the Bible is all about, after all. Our relationships to God, and to each other - God’s creation.
I got to thinking about the characters in the “Bringing Up Father” strip, created by George McManus, about a poor Irish laborer named Jiggs, who doesn't understand why his ascension to wealth means he can't hang out with his friends, and his nagging, social-climbing wife, Maggie. Nouvea riche! Off with the old life, forward to the new, upward mobility into society. At least as far as Maggie is concerned. Art, voice lessons, fashion. Putting on airs.
Jiggs? He prefers his old friends, and corned beef and cabbage at Dinty Moore’s. The artist drew Maggie with a most critical expression on her face where Jigg’s indiscretions were concerned.
Relationships! Between husband and wife, within the family, to friends, both former and future. A place in the social order. Values, laying up treasures. Pride and humility. The higher and lower seats.
Got any ideas yet?
August 7, 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com

Scripture: Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
“How can I,” the eunuch replied, “unless someone explains it to me.” Acts 30-31 , NIV
I’ve been reading a collection of humor and anecdotes about the “famous and near famous” published by Bennet Cerf in 1952. My, how things have changed in fifty years! Few of the “famous” are still living, including Mr. Cerf himself. While some stories and jokes retain their humor well over the years, many others depend upon some knowledge of the personality at the base of the story. For those of us who recall the days of radio, and “stars” such as Jack Benny, Fred Allen, and Ed Wynn, the anecdotes perhaps remind us of other antics and memories of the times. We laugh because we remember.
I tried playing tapes of some of the old radio programs to students in my ‘Radio TV’ classes. Invariably, they would inquire, “Where are the pictures?” Topics that were hilarious at the time fall flat today, because the context is lost. The phrase, “Wanna’ buy a duck?” was in everybody's’ ears, and on everybody's’ lips, in the ‘thirties, but was passé by the ‘forties.
When is the last time you heard a traveling salesman called a ‘drummer’? Today’s child would immediately think of a rock band; most older folks would likely wrinkle their brows and think more toward musicians than salesmen. Traveling salesman/drummer stories tend to be a bit bawdy for polite company, anyway.
Armed Forces stories were popular in 1952. Memories of “The Big One” were still fresh, the draft was in full effect, and Korea was topping the news of the day. Jokes that begin, “A gawky new draftee . . .” don’t register with the current generation. A joke about “two effeminate-looking young men,” was fair game then; totally unacceptable today.
Many jokes were based on ethnic themes, and could be pretty stinging. Many a person has gotten into trouble today for the humor of yesterday that is now considered to be a slur or defamation of character. Even presidents and political candidates have been caught up in this one.
A good maxim to follow: “Never say anything you don’t want to be heard.” Better yet, don’t even think it! Proverbs 21:23 says it well; “He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
One of the dangers of familiarity with a topic is that we forget that others may not have any idea what we are talking about. We Christians sometimes babble on about salvation and justification, grace and righteousness - terms totally unfamiliar to those we are trying to reach.
The first ‘commandment’ for speakers and teachers is, “Know your topic well.” The second, and no less important, is, “Consider your audience!” How will they understand unless you fill in all the gaps in their knowledge.
October 20, 2002