Regarding the “Sad Photo” on the blog: I wonder if that gesture means the same in that eastern culture (whichever it is) as it does in the west?
Well…I did some research, and it turns out that the raised middle finger is pretty universally an insult.
From the “urban dictionary” stuff to eastern culture hand gestures, I have learned a lot in trying to understand the references in this strip (not always uplifting but always interesting).
Teresa, I’m so glad you came along.
Blog ‘Sad Photo’: the picture was taken in Indonesia. I’ve spent a lot of time there and I haven’t seen this gesture. In general, Indonesians don’t make a lot of hand gestures as it is considered rude. For example, if you ask someone directions they will point with their chin rather than their fingers.
Add to that the fact that beggars are pretty much everywhere in Indonesia. A lot of them are creepier than the old lady in this photo. If you spent energy sending beggars where the sun don’t shine you’d barely last the day out. Sure, a leper dragging his bloody stump across your car window might seem both shocking and horrible enough to provoke a spontaneous reaction. But a grey-haired lady sitting on the ground?
Additionally, I find it difficult to believe that a child would bother ‘giving her the finger’. Indonesia has a strong, traditiona, respect-your-elders culture. Again, I’ve never seen anything openly rude in public from Indonesian children that age.
I’m not an expert on determining whether images have been digitally altered. Suffice to say I don’t think the young girl in this photo is actually telling the beggarwoman to get stuffed.
margueritem over 14 years ago
The rest of the world is very glad that you don’t share your pants.
FLIGHT SUIT over 14 years ago
Wait a minute…
That dude’s wearing my pants!
grapfhics over 14 years ago
stay there we’ll throw you some soap
Flintstoned over 14 years ago
They can’t be your pants, pass the soap.
Sisyphos over 14 years ago
So, you claim to go commando? Whatever leads you to think anyone would want to share your pants? Sir, you are a delusional egomaniac!
ejcapulet over 14 years ago
I’m glad you don’t share your pants, but I wish you didn’t share your thoughts.
zero over 14 years ago
I wouldn’t worry dude, no one can tell.
Plods with ...™ over 14 years ago
Mr. Strauss’ best creation.
Ray_C over 14 years ago
What’s up with this PUNCH LINE! The best part of FA is when we have to make up our own. Takes all the fun out of it. (Actually, it’s pretty funny.)
Ray_C over 14 years ago
Regarding the “Sad Photo” on the blog: I wonder if that gesture means the same in that eastern culture (whichever it is) as it does in the west? Well…I did some research, and it turns out that the raised middle finger is pretty universally an insult. From the “urban dictionary” stuff to eastern culture hand gestures, I have learned a lot in trying to understand the references in this strip (not always uplifting but always interesting). Teresa, I’m so glad you came along.
fredbuhl over 14 years ago
But who eats his lunch?
Kosher71 over 14 years ago
Freeballin’ .
cleokaya over 14 years ago
Pants and underwear are overrated.
SumoSasquatch (aka a boy named Su) over 14 years ago
I own my own pants, but I’m leasing to buy my own underwear.
plight over 14 years ago
Blog ‘Sad Photo’: the picture was taken in Indonesia. I’ve spent a lot of time there and I haven’t seen this gesture. In general, Indonesians don’t make a lot of hand gestures as it is considered rude. For example, if you ask someone directions they will point with their chin rather than their fingers. Add to that the fact that beggars are pretty much everywhere in Indonesia. A lot of them are creepier than the old lady in this photo. If you spent energy sending beggars where the sun don’t shine you’d barely last the day out. Sure, a leper dragging his bloody stump across your car window might seem both shocking and horrible enough to provoke a spontaneous reaction. But a grey-haired lady sitting on the ground? Additionally, I find it difficult to believe that a child would bother ‘giving her the finger’. Indonesia has a strong, traditiona, respect-your-elders culture. Again, I’ve never seen anything openly rude in public from Indonesian children that age. I’m not an expert on determining whether images have been digitally altered. Suffice to say I don’t think the young girl in this photo is actually telling the beggarwoman to get stuffed.