Since we’re analyzing the humor here…… Shockingly, humor, like all other forms of expression, comes in different forms and with different meanings. Some of it is designed to belittle and harm others — and that’s not funny. Some of it, however, uses unrealistic violence to point out absurdities in life or to stand in for other aspects of relationships. It’s funny, then, because it is ridiculous in its portrayal yet strikes a chord of familiarity. Not all cartoon violence is created equal.
In the case of “The Katzenjammer Kids,” the spanking itself wasn’t supposed to be funny. It was simply an ineffective response to the kids’ shenanigans.
I didn’t mind the beatings of Beetle Bailey as a kid, if only because they were so unrealistic. But “Andy Capp” and “The Wizard of Id” were my two least favorite comics, for reasons beyond the above.
Sir Ruddy Blighter over 3 years ago
I know…why do we have to hide what we find funny now? It’s cartoon humor! Slapstick comedy is exaggerated violence and pratfalls, right?
I mean, I’m pretty PC, myself, but with real people.
thomas_matkey over 3 years ago
I still read the comics. Old ones too. Pogo is my absolute favorite.
daijoboo Premium Member over 3 years ago
They were never funny.
Michael G. over 3 years ago
Striking a blow for honesty in media!
treutvid over 3 years ago
Humor is subjective, I’m not a fan of the 3 Stooges, but I don’t feel the need to criticize those who are. Live and let live.
Nyckname over 3 years ago
Should’ve gone with Andy and Flo rolling out of the door in a ball of fists and dust.
ChessPirate over 3 years ago
ᴹᵉ ᵗʰʳᵉᵉ
cdward over 3 years ago
Since we’re analyzing the humor here…… Shockingly, humor, like all other forms of expression, comes in different forms and with different meanings. Some of it is designed to belittle and harm others — and that’s not funny. Some of it, however, uses unrealistic violence to point out absurdities in life or to stand in for other aspects of relationships. It’s funny, then, because it is ridiculous in its portrayal yet strikes a chord of familiarity. Not all cartoon violence is created equal.
Stephen Gilberg over 3 years ago
In the case of “The Katzenjammer Kids,” the spanking itself wasn’t supposed to be funny. It was simply an ineffective response to the kids’ shenanigans.
I didn’t mind the beatings of Beetle Bailey as a kid, if only because they were so unrealistic. But “Andy Capp” and “The Wizard of Id” were my two least favorite comics, for reasons beyond the above.
Darryl Heine over 3 years ago
What about Mr. Dithers kicking Dagwood Bumstead or Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown?