I usually use Alexa to add quick items to the shopping list. I noticed a long time ago that if I say, “Add baloney to the shopping list,” it confuses her. But if I say, "Add bologna (exaggerated TV-version Italian accent) to the shopping list, " she says, “Baloney added to the shopping list.” Decidedly mixed messages.
When I was a kid I heard about someone who liked for people to beat him with a rubber hose because it felt so dang good when they quit. I’ll bet this activity has similar dynamics—feels so good when it’s over, makes you appreciate your snuggly bed more.
And it is, no doubt a conscious choice (regarding the drawing style not being realistic), given that Watterson has amply demonstrated the ability to draw realistically.
Y’all do realize that this is exactly the point of this cartoon, right?