West San Jose Resident

Letters & Opinions

Comics do more than tickle the funny bone

By Moryt Milo

Before there was the Internet and YouTube, podcasts and high-def media, there was a simple form of entertainment that still brings a chuckle and smile to many--comics.

Not the ones where superheroes save the world. I'm talking about something much more rudimentary. I'm talking about the funnies that grace the pages of newspapers.

For many, this section of the paper is the first read after perusing the front page. Peanuts, Blondie, Doonesbury and Cathy have readers starting their day with a bit of levity and an inner voice that whispers, "I can identify with that."

Many of the clever five-panel storyboards still manage to stand the test of time decades later.

Comics often have a sly political bent, a way of jabbing at politicians, politically incorrect behavior or just downright stupidity. It's the First Amendment par excellence.

The comics can also be the portal that gets your children to read the newspaper, and an easy way to have a discussion about life, the environment or moral issues. The pictures open that door to dialogue. It can be an opportunity for conversation with a teenager who isn't very talkative at 16.

My refrigerator is covered with comic strips from the newspapers, which I have noticed over the years have been an intriguing discovery for my children's friends when they head to the refrigerator for something to eat. Often I will catch them hand on handle, stopping in mid-pull to read the various comics. And we have them all--jabs at politicians, health, environment and family life.

"Hey, these are funny," is frequently the remark from my son and daughter's friends.

My children's standard reply is, "Yeah, well, my mom's a newspaper editor."

The norm in our home captures the interest of others, and accomplishes an undeclared purpose. The cartoons generate conversation about politics, social problems or environmental dilemmas among these non-talkative teens. My indirect way of educating my children leads to discussion between them and those who wander into my kitchen, which is every teen on the planet.

Lately one comic in particular has become the first read of the day for my son and me.

The comic strip Zits by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman is about the antics of soon to be 16-year-old Jeremy and his parents. Often the story of the day has to do with Jeremy and his mom. Recent strips have Jeremy learning how to drive. My son and I are right there. Or Jeremy and his eating habits, dirty clothes, first job and so many more daily situations that mimic the life my son and I share.

The best part is my son and I have developed something akin to an inside joke every time we read the latest Jeremy experience. And, more importantly, it has enhanced our relationship during a time when most 16-year-old boys don't usually have much to say to their moms except "Hi" and "Fine."

There has been a side benefit to this comic reading as well. From the funnies the two of us move to the other sections of the newspaper.

Granted most folks, especially anyone in their 30s and younger, read all their news online. But, just like sharing a book, sharing a newspaper is a great way to spend time with your kids. And it can all start with the funnies.

Moryt Milo is an editor for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers. She can be reached at 408.200.1051 or via e-mail at mmilo@community-news
papers.com.