Susan001 said,
I’ve read this strip for many years, and Elly was the character I disliked most.
———————————————-
I agree that Elly is not very likeable.
In this “new & improved” version of the strip, she’s even worse.
Tehn, of course, there’s Lynn’s male bashing.
In today’s strip we see Elly as the drudge and John out fishing.
Lynn never seems to let up on her heavy-handed portrayal of men as insensitive, chauvinistic jerks.
Lynn has drawn this from her own experiences people … remember that. So, perhaps, in her house, her husband was a deadbeat, and she had to be the “stick in the mud” for everything.
Susan001 - I’ll put my money on your theory that Ellie said “no!” to those questions or “Can I go hiking?” “can I go meet that family over there?” “can I hang out with my new friend?” etc etc … Ellie is defiantly overbearing…
I remember when I was a kid, if we weren’t out of my mothers sight by 8am during summers, returning ONLY 20 minute lunch break, 20 minute supper, and then at 7pm for bath then shower, we were in TROUBLE. The only time we were allowed in the house during the summer was to watch “The Dukes of Hazard” and some cartoons on Saturday morning. Ellie seems to be controlling Mike like it’s 1995 or later when parents heli-parent over their child(ren) and don’t let them be children.
Even if he didn’t help his mother so she could have a chance to play with them, he could probably swing on a swing by himself… I read him saying “I’m BORED Mom” and then she says “why don’t you swim/fish/swing?” and he says “No, I don’t wanna do THAT, I wanna watch TV (or whatever they can’t do at the moment)”. But I think the comic leaves both interpretations available.
And remember, either Elly or John has to watch Elizabeth.
When I was Michael’s age, we would have taken that stick to a stream and made little rivers and dams and tried to make a fort on the edge of the forest. Apart from a big event like fishing, we didn’t demand our parents entertain us. We were just happy to be somewhere new.
having nothing to do is what camping is all about, no tv, stereo video games etc. just natural fresh air and lots of sunshine,
hiking trails, fishing caves to explore.
what ever you want to do just go for it
you could lie on the grass and watch the clouds go by, the way we were talking about the other day…
For a very long time FBOFW was one of my absolutely favourite comic strips. But slowly I got tired of it. It was too shallow and sentimental, and everything always ended happily (an American characteristic).
Lynn never dealt directly with any of the difficult issues. For example, when it turned out that Lawrence was gay, they discussed it and dealt with it day after day - without actually saying anything! a child could read it and see nothing! it’s not that i like confrontation (I don’t), but i like things stated clearly and honestly. When people speak in code, I don’t know what they’re talking about. And if I want to find out, I have to ask over and over until I finally get a begrudged answer, And then the person who answered the question is angry with me, because I’m not very good with euphemisms and I need plain, simple statements.
I had forgotten all this. i just had a vague feeling that I didn’t like FBOFW that much any more. Now I’m remembering why.
EJCapulet, FishStix, Bald 716, & Doctortoon: re: definition of camping: Too right.
Except that of course it would be different if you’re hauling little kids along. Inevitably the camping experience must be watered down a bit for safety’s sake and in deference to a child’s lesser physical capabilities.
Except that, if you’re hauling little kids along, presumably a main purpose is to introduce your kids to camping in a way that will cause them to love camping. I.e., spend a major part of each day teaching them age-appropriate versions of wildlife lore and survival skills. We see no signs of that here.
EXCEPT that (a) if your chief purpose is not to teach your kids to love camping, but to get a little R&R yourselves, your purpose would be better served by parking the kids with a sitter for the weekend (‘cause babysitting is free if you form a sitting co-op with trusted friends); and (b) indeed, children should not be so utterly dependent upon their parents for entertainment and occupation.
Except that we’re all overthinking this a wee tad, probably. :-)
RinaFarina: I understand what you’re saying, but alas, sometimes “speaking in code” is required to get around certain reactionary exigencies, as Burgundy said.
Hey, Giantbrain, That’s not John fishing, that’s another family all together.
Of course this begs the question, is the problem with Michael or with the family. Certainly Michael doesn’t need parental involvement to play on the swings, but fishing or swimming is another matter.
Of course, from a modern prospective, the thought of letting a, what, six year old, wander around a lake unattended is appalling.
Shikamoo Premium Member about 15 years ago
Michael- open your eyes. there’s plenty to do!
ejcapulet about 15 years ago
What kind of “camping” is this anyway? Where I live, camping means no other people for miles, no safe place to swim, and no playground.
Wildmustang1262 about 15 years ago
Oh, for Pete’s sake! Why Michael go along with them for camping? Too bad! Deal with it!
Davey953 about 15 years ago
There is a reason for him having nothing to do. Yeah, there is plenty to do, if only he had someone to do it with.
amongthestars about 15 years ago
Gee, maybe you could offer to help your mother out? I’m sure Ellie could find you something to do!
pearlandpeach about 15 years ago
HAY, “HOW” - Ellie Is cooking…yes, the kids can help.
TheGiantBrain about 15 years ago
Susan001 said, I’ve read this strip for many years, and Elly was the character I disliked most. ———————————————- I agree that Elly is not very likeable. In this “new & improved” version of the strip, she’s even worse. Tehn, of course, there’s Lynn’s male bashing. In today’s strip we see Elly as the drudge and John out fishing. Lynn never seems to let up on her heavy-handed portrayal of men as insensitive, chauvinistic jerks.
summerdog86 about 15 years ago
Where’s Farley?
Allan CB Premium Member about 15 years ago
Lynn has drawn this from her own experiences people … remember that. So, perhaps, in her house, her husband was a deadbeat, and she had to be the “stick in the mud” for everything.
Susan001 - I’ll put my money on your theory that Ellie said “no!” to those questions or “Can I go hiking?” “can I go meet that family over there?” “can I hang out with my new friend?” etc etc … Ellie is defiantly overbearing…
I remember when I was a kid, if we weren’t out of my mothers sight by 8am during summers, returning ONLY 20 minute lunch break, 20 minute supper, and then at 7pm for bath then shower, we were in TROUBLE. The only time we were allowed in the house during the summer was to watch “The Dukes of Hazard” and some cartoons on Saturday morning. Ellie seems to be controlling Mike like it’s 1995 or later when parents heli-parent over their child(ren) and don’t let them be children.
masnadies about 15 years ago
Even if he didn’t help his mother so she could have a chance to play with them, he could probably swing on a swing by himself… I read him saying “I’m BORED Mom” and then she says “why don’t you swim/fish/swing?” and he says “No, I don’t wanna do THAT, I wanna watch TV (or whatever they can’t do at the moment)”. But I think the comic leaves both interpretations available.
And remember, either Elly or John has to watch Elizabeth.
When I was Michael’s age, we would have taken that stick to a stream and made little rivers and dams and tried to make a fort on the edge of the forest. Apart from a big event like fishing, we didn’t demand our parents entertain us. We were just happy to be somewhere new.
bald about 15 years ago
having nothing to do is what camping is all about, no tv, stereo video games etc. just natural fresh air and lots of sunshine, hiking trails, fishing caves to explore. what ever you want to do just go for it
RinaFarina about 15 years ago
you could lie on the grass and watch the clouds go by, the way we were talking about the other day…
For a very long time FBOFW was one of my absolutely favourite comic strips. But slowly I got tired of it. It was too shallow and sentimental, and everything always ended happily (an American characteristic).
Lynn never dealt directly with any of the difficult issues. For example, when it turned out that Lawrence was gay, they discussed it and dealt with it day after day - without actually saying anything! a child could read it and see nothing! it’s not that i like confrontation (I don’t), but i like things stated clearly and honestly. When people speak in code, I don’t know what they’re talking about. And if I want to find out, I have to ask over and over until I finally get a begrudged answer, And then the person who answered the question is angry with me, because I’m not very good with euphemisms and I need plain, simple statements.
I had forgotten all this. i just had a vague feeling that I didn’t like FBOFW that much any more. Now I’m remembering why.
4deerinmyyard about 15 years ago
EJCapulet, FishStix, Bald 716, & Doctortoon: re: definition of camping: Too right.
Except that of course it would be different if you’re hauling little kids along. Inevitably the camping experience must be watered down a bit for safety’s sake and in deference to a child’s lesser physical capabilities.
Except that, if you’re hauling little kids along, presumably a main purpose is to introduce your kids to camping in a way that will cause them to love camping. I.e., spend a major part of each day teaching them age-appropriate versions of wildlife lore and survival skills. We see no signs of that here.
EXCEPT that (a) if your chief purpose is not to teach your kids to love camping, but to get a little R&R yourselves, your purpose would be better served by parking the kids with a sitter for the weekend (‘cause babysitting is free if you form a sitting co-op with trusted friends); and (b) indeed, children should not be so utterly dependent upon their parents for entertainment and occupation.
Except that we’re all overthinking this a wee tad, probably. :-)
RinaFarina: I understand what you’re saying, but alas, sometimes “speaking in code” is required to get around certain reactionary exigencies, as Burgundy said.
Radical-Knight about 15 years ago
meh!
Seed_drill about 15 years ago
Hey, Giantbrain, That’s not John fishing, that’s another family all together.
Of course this begs the question, is the problem with Michael or with the family. Certainly Michael doesn’t need parental involvement to play on the swings, but fishing or swimming is another matter.
Of course, from a modern prospective, the thought of letting a, what, six year old, wander around a lake unattended is appalling.