Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis for April 11, 2021

You can check out Stephan’s Twitter account here: https://mobile.twitter.com/stephanpastis

Strangely enough, I’m going to post this to a social medium…

Never did either and frankly question the sanity of people that do.

I will always think that the original lyric is pefect and that no variant is worthy of it.

Patsis is amazing.

I suspect John Lennon would approve

Facebook IS my source of fun.

Oh come on, Pastis. You use Twitter, it says so right down there.

Thank you, Stephan.

It’s taken work but I’ve learned to block (both mentally and technologically) the toxic people in my social medias. I don’t deal with all that. People think it’s me being in a bubble, but trust me: if a site has a comments section, there’s no escaping such hatreds and whatnot. Twitter ragers and internet trolls are everywhere. You can get rid of social media, but the only way to get rid of THEM is to block communication entirely.

The reason Abraham Lincoln never joined Facebook is because Neil Armstrong told him not to. No more lies.

Imagine no text addicts,

I wonder if you could,

No more car wrecks or zombies,

It all would be so good.

Next scene is the people stepping outside and saying What is that bright light up there?

A story: Years ago, in my rather naïve youth, I thought it might be interesting to join FB. First thing they asked for after asking my name (it’s quite unique) was my birth date. No way. I entered a fictional date, and FB came right back and told me I must enter my real birth date. Creepy! That’s what the “close window” button is for, and I used it. I’ve never been back and never will go back.

George Orwell got it wrong in one respect. Big Brother hasn’t forced himself on us and terrified us into compliance, Big Brother has seduced us. His motives are the same, however.

I dropped out of “Facebook” after the 2016 election when it was shown that the honchos at “Facebook” were actively supporting Putin and the Russian Federation.

I’ve NEVER been involved with “Twitter” because (1) the great bloody Twit has dominated its use and (2) how can ANY intelligent person express a cogent thought in just 144 character? (yes, I know, they’ve upped it to 288 characters – it’s still much too limiting for my liking!)

Yay, Pig! You are an inspiration!

Love it!

Well said Pastis…to misquote the Bard, “Perhaps the strips the thing, to catch the conscience of the (king) culture?”

AMEN!!!!

What is this thing called Fakebook and Twittler?? And why should I care??

/SNARK/

Good morning Stephan, thanks, great job

“Imagine” by John Lennon in the key of PBS. Love it.

The first and only thing I learned about Facebook wast that you got a page, wrote a little bit about yourself, and then a bunch of total strangers claimed to be your friends.

I could not see any reason why a sane person would do that, so I ignored it from then on.

And a useful bit from JoNova.

https://joannenova.com.au/2021/04/hate-weaponizing-a-word-to-shut-people-up/

It’ll take one powerful imaginination but it’s worth a try.

SING IT PIG!

Outstanding today Mr. Pastis.

Good one Pastis. I am pinning this one. This is definitely in your top 10!

Profound.

LIKE!

Just get rid of the “Smart-Phones”…. They seem to be the source of the Facebook /Twitter addiction. Please note Stephan does not show anyone using a laptop ;-)

this strip gets my full approval. the Comic Strip Censor: even I love this Sunday Strip.

I dropped Facebutt a few years back and never did Twitter, not wanting to be a Twit. Don’t miss either one.

Beautiful.

Surely you need an extra verse for comment sections?

Can’t wait to share this!

Is Pastis announcing retirement?

Just say no to social media.

Imagine everyone doing what they can do (or not do) to make the world a better place to live.

Never had Twitter and have gotten my Facebook usage down to birthday and Anniversary greetings. No other social media platforms to speak of other than GoComics. It is rather nice.

Excellent, but if you can’t stand the heat stay off the net! What I am sad about are the kids that kill themselves due to cyberbullying. Parents, check what your kids are doing on the net! It’s the Lord of the Flies out there.

Seriously, I am so sick and tired of people who get on a platform like Twitter, say something stupid and ignorant and bigoted, and then when their careers and lives inevitably implode as a result, cry and moan about “cancel culture.” Like you, Mandalorian Girl. Let’s get something straight: you’re not saying it in your living room, or at a bar, or next to the water cooler at work. You are screaming it to the entire world. When you pick a fight with the world, and the world responds by picking up a pool cue and beating you so savagely that you walk funny and slur your words for the rest of your life, it’s all on you.

I actually deactivated my anti – social media accounts last month and couldn’t be happier.

Before the last election I responded hastily to a Tweet—before doing my own research— and made a comment that was unkind—not hateful—before going to bed. The next morning, when fully awake, I researched the data and realized I had made an error; the offended person had asked for an apology and I responded by asking for forgiveness for my foolish comment. He was gracious and accepted my apology. THE TAKE-HOME LESSON: In the brief time my tweet was up—it was interesting to see what everyone thought was my problem. It seems that many people used my poorly researched tweet to come out swinging against their favorite demon (right-wing, left wing, red-neck, commie, etc.). Many of these commenters were silenced with the mea culpa I offered. I think Stephan is correct, our world would be a better place where differing views can be discussed without fanning the fires of dissension.

And how many people will post here but swear this is NOT Social Media!

They should call it “anti-social networking.”

The social networks I’ve been on that were actually good had human moderators and well-defined rules. They weren’t just free-for-alls moderated by machines that flag vulgar words and little else.

Imagine there not being 24/7 news

Your best work, Mr. Pastis.

I too have stopped checking FB. Many of my childhood friend’s posts had so much anger and hatrid.

Luv U Pig.

Imagine no webcomics

It’s not that hard to do

No horrid puns before us

No preachy writing, too

And it starts with one person…YOU!

Good one!

PERFECT!!

I may record this on Smule and post it to YouTube!

To be fair, social media doesn’t create awful people – it’s just a medium that allows them to express their awfulness far and wide. Sadly, people weren’t all that wonderful before social media.

Well okay.

Ok, Gal Gadot, NOW get your celebrity friends together…we have a new song for you.

this is a lot better lyrics than the original version

Yep. I have cut back on my social media and guess what…I’m a happier person! Doesn’t mean I’ve cut it out altogether. Just no SM three days a week. It’s actually refreshing.

I don’t think John would mind the modification to his lyrics.

I have got to post this on FakeBook!

EXCELLENT!

Yes, this promotes a more peaceful world than the atheistic socialism of the original song. . . .

I’ve never used either of those. You don’t have to imagine it—just DO it.

My kind of idealist leaves hating any class of people out of the equation.

Sigh, if only…

And not a single pun!

He missed commenters on Pearls Before Swine

A touching and heartfelt homage and reimagination.

Social media sites are bitter sweet. This is the only site I post on! Quit FB almost two years ago and don’t miss it! Never had other sites for they just cause grief and the nasty trolls without a soul take advantage! NOPE! I’m good!

I can remember people who trolled me before there were computers, we just didn’t call them trolls back then.

Living is easy with eyes closed

Misunderstanding all you see

It’s getting hard to be someone but it all works out

It doesn’t matter much to me

Let me take you down, cause I’m going to Strawberry Fields

Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about

Strawberry Fields forever

Thank you John

So far most of the people I see here just want to have a bit of fun, which is why the internet was invented. I have seen some trolls bring their pre-canned hate, usually irrelevant to whatever the comic is saying, but for the most part the people here are kind and just want a little laugh in their day. I just want to acknowledge the kind hearted here.

This belongs in the “Best of” compilation!

You could take a look back at the ’70s, ’80s, & ’90s (or pick your fav pre-social media decade) and you will see that there was still a fair amount of lying and nastiness. Social media has made everything, good and bad, faster and more accessible.

I don’t think social media is only responsible for our current political difficulties. They started back in the ‘90s before social media really existed. Our difficulty comes from people thinking that it’s a sign of weakness to compromise or even treat an opposing view as if it may have merit. Social media just amplifies it.

Well done Stephan!

And with that we begin “Turn off your phone week”!

Let’s all go out and burn Pastis comics

John Lennon would be proud of this.

This is one of best things I have seen in awhile.

We can stop anytime we want. Mob Mentality is over, if you want it.

Herr Lennon would be proud.

Nice celebration of poetry month!

Bravo…….

Where is Stephan Pastis? I fervently wish he lives for ever, in good health.

I had already decided that today is FREEDOM FROM FACEBOOK Sunday. Perfect timing Stephan.

i like how everyone here is complaining about social media. what do you think this website is?

I have neither Facebook, not Twitter, but I’m not the only one. I hope more people will join us, go outside and see the sun.

Well done Stephan, well done. And thank you!

No they banned the Craziest from FB.

This is right on the mark!

Excellent! Left Facebook four months ago! Never had Twitter…

The way to kindness is prevent people from interacting with each other. Fascinating notion.

And to get rid of lies can imagine a world without the New York Times, CNN and the Biden Administration?

Quit Farcebook a year after it started, never had Twitter, etc. But do comment on GoComics.

I continue to scan today’s strip and comments for grammatical errors and will report later.

Facebook, Twitter, Parler; all tools. Their usefulness depends on on the tool but on the user. A hammer can build a house or crack a skull, I see few calls for banning hammers

Absolutely brilliant!

Facebook and Twitter Dominion O’ Trolls Jerks and the common —-hole

If you don’t like social media you should stop checking it. If you do like social media, but there are too many toxic people, just don’t read what the toxic people say or cut off from them if you actually know them and it will be much better. You can’t say “social media makes life worse, I wish it didn’t exist”, it’s your choice to use it or not.

It’s just amplified traditional human behavior. Blame it on moveable type.

Bravo, Pig! I’m in complete agreement!

Wow. Most likes and comments ever.

That was beautiful

About 1 hour ago Mudd said,

Ha,Ha.

I love you, Pig.

Then we have to get rid of Imgur, Instagram, YouTube, News sites, and everywhere else they allow comments. I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few.

Amen to that!

Mr. Pastis – you are a treasure.

Sending a cornucopia of cyber-hugs Mr Pastis…just to say thanks <3

John Lennon is spinning in his grave

Genius. And now I’m going to post it

Thank you for saying so succinctly what many of us didn’t even know we were thinking.

I’m sure many of us have already put this on social media

Well said.

Way better than the original song

AMEN !!!!!!!!!

Amen.

CLAP

wait, did Stephan leave twitter? because i was noticing an absence of his witty content there.

Amen Pig, Amen.

You may say I’m a screamer

But I’m trying to unwind,

And hope one day we’ll stop this

And the world will be more kind.

No Facebook and Twitter? I already don’t use either and that sounds even better.

Kudos to you Stephan Pastis!! I’m FB free and a whole lot happier.

Bravo!

The only way it could be more awesome would be if I was on facebook or twitter, happily I am not

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again : Use it, don’t abuse it.

Social media is tearing us apart.

I never did Twitter, and I gave up FB about 6 months ago.

Thank you.

Great job today Sir at nearly 61, I’ve never been on Twit, facebook is more my speed. I’m certain I will get banned soon enough, I already have two strikes for bulling. I seem to be a little harsh for Zucks robots, GoComics has apparently made me mean ?

Imagine

Amen!

943rd like.

in the immortal words of lisa simpson, “just don’t look! just don’t look!” no one is making you engage with social media. turn it off.

Can this reach 1,000 likes?

Imagine, no GoComics comments option.

amen

So who needs to imagine? Some of us just live it.

Sorry, Pig. My imagination just isn’t that strong. Besides, the tune is banal….

I never saw so many likes before. Is 1032 a record?

A freeking men.

Usually it’s Pastis’ puns that bring a tear to my eye.

Pandora’s book cannot be closed again.

Yes, we all remember how peaceful the world was before social media…

Bravo, Mr. Pig!

The best strip

Sorry the genie’s already out of the bottle…..

I just realized how many likes this has, pig seems to be effective

But what would the Democrats and the liberal media do if there were no social media to spread misinformation? They might have to (horror of horrors) actually verify their stories!

Great strip, Sparky would be proud.

One of your BEST work, Steph!

Brilliant! Love this! Thank you, Stephan.

Add the Instagram and TikTok, too.

Stephan, this is truly a masterpiece! Thank you so much!!! (heart emoji)

One of the very best.

My parents wonder why I rarely use Facebook.