Jim keeps me entertained with his story and amazed by his art. As long as he does, I’ll be back every day. Why some of you who (almost?) never seem to enjoy GA are also here everyday is a question I won’t try to answer. But it just occurred me that although I enjoy most of the comments, I don’t have to read ALL of them!
To me, this is a mild flirtation. If she’s really not interested and keeps saying “No”, he should take the hint and back off. But till then I see nothing wrong with it. This story line would work for any race. It’s good to see some diversity in a strip that has long roots in the white working class.
In fact, the more I think of it, why should Earl have to be symbolic of anything or anyone else? He’s just a well-drawn character acting in a manner that creates interest. For him to do otherwise would be… boring.
I don’t think Earl is being portrayed as lazy. He has two jobs: musician and dishwasher. If he being those things is lazy and shiftless, then I am offended by Norm’s comment, because I have done both of those things as well. Earl hasn’t said anything that sounded the least bit offensive to me. Norm, you really should do something about all that hostility. It’s bad for your heart.
Re: NotNorman’s note– speaking only for myself, of course, I myself draw no such conclusions about the character, the symbolism (if indeed there is any), the effect of the character on the average reader’s perceptions, nor the creator’s intentions.
Given the apparent age of Earl and his background, his comments are in character. If his portrayal is a racist stereotype, what are we to surmise from the portrayal of the others characters. Those who see racism in this need to examine what leads them to see something that does not exist.. Do not take umbrage where non is warrented.
HectorPriam,
I agree that a strip wherein everyone behaved properly and made wise decisions would be a crashing bore, but it would avoid offending anyone! I’m enjoying Earl. I’m not saying he’s a role model, just that he is a… character! My kids were watching Andy Griffith with me, and wanted to know why Goober messed things up all the time. Well, otherwise there wouldn’t be much of a story to watch, would there? Keep on truckin’, Mr. Scancarelli!
wndrwrthg almost 16 years ago
Careful lady, this guy could be a “masher”.
axe-grinder almost 16 years ago
Soon he’ll be back-tracking on that “we’re practically family” theory…
KingRat almost 16 years ago
something tells me they knew each other a long time ago.
stringmusicianer almost 16 years ago
Ha ha, Gertie, good one in the middle panel. I don’t think he’s buying it though.
nelson-muntz almost 16 years ago
SHOULDN’T WORRY TOO MUCH SHE’S NO MRS. OR EVEN LIS SIMPSON! HAHA
JanLC almost 16 years ago
Norman: Lighten up! As always, if you don’t like it, DON’T READ IT!
axe-grinder almost 16 years ago
Jim keeps me entertained with his story and amazed by his art. As long as he does, I’ll be back every day. Why some of you who (almost?) never seem to enjoy GA are also here everyday is a question I won’t try to answer. But it just occurred me that although I enjoy most of the comments, I don’t have to read ALL of them!
marvee almost 16 years ago
To me, this is a mild flirtation. If she’s really not interested and keeps saying “No”, he should take the hint and back off. But till then I see nothing wrong with it. This story line would work for any race. It’s good to see some diversity in a strip that has long roots in the white working class.
axe-grinder almost 16 years ago
I still think Earl represents… Earl.
axe-grinder almost 16 years ago
In fact, the more I think of it, why should Earl have to be symbolic of anything or anyone else? He’s just a well-drawn character acting in a manner that creates interest. For him to do otherwise would be… boring.
stringmusicianer almost 16 years ago
I don’t think Earl is being portrayed as lazy. He has two jobs: musician and dishwasher. If he being those things is lazy and shiftless, then I am offended by Norm’s comment, because I have done both of those things as well. Earl hasn’t said anything that sounded the least bit offensive to me. Norm, you really should do something about all that hostility. It’s bad for your heart.
countoftowergrove almost 16 years ago
He should have said “let’s make friends.”
stringmusicianer almost 16 years ago
A three-panel cartoon can’t fill in every detail of every day. You are the one who is assuming he is lazy. I assume he is working.
axe-grinder almost 16 years ago
Re: NotNorman’s note– speaking only for myself, of course, I myself draw no such conclusions about the character, the symbolism (if indeed there is any), the effect of the character on the average reader’s perceptions, nor the creator’s intentions.
axe-grinder almost 16 years ago
And Stringmuse, you are a voice of reason!
wndrwrthg almost 16 years ago
Given the apparent age of Earl and his background, his comments are in character. If his portrayal is a racist stereotype, what are we to surmise from the portrayal of the others characters. Those who see racism in this need to examine what leads them to see something that does not exist.. Do not take umbrage where non is warrented.
axe-grinder almost 16 years ago
Unmoved, I’ll stick with my previous comments.
stringmusicianer almost 16 years ago
I’m going to start following this somewhere else if they’re not going to post the new strips every day.
bassmanbob almost 16 years ago
Here’s a link to today’s strip. Gertie nuts!
http://www.chron.com/apps/comics/showComic.mpl?date=2009/3/20&name=Gasoline_Alley
jackdohany almost 16 years ago
You can see today’s strip here: http://www.chron.com/apps/comics/showComic.mpl?date=2009/3/20&name=Gasoline_Alley
axe-grinder almost 16 years ago
HectorPriam, I agree that a strip wherein everyone behaved properly and made wise decisions would be a crashing bore, but it would avoid offending anyone! I’m enjoying Earl. I’m not saying he’s a role model, just that he is a… character! My kids were watching Andy Griffith with me, and wanted to know why Goober messed things up all the time. Well, otherwise there wouldn’t be much of a story to watch, would there? Keep on truckin’, Mr. Scancarelli!
axe-grinder almost 16 years ago
Just read today’s (Friday)– we’re gonna have a wedding! Can’t wait to see a big lavish Sunday wedding (okay, maybe not THIS Sunday, but soon I bet).
stringmusicianer almost 16 years ago
Maybe Earl will serenade her. I wonder what he plays.