Stereotypes and Bad Clothes

While Jon did appear in today's Garfield, there's no evidence either way in the question of "Is Jon gay?" In today's strip, Jon inadvertently persuades Garfield to (GASP!) kick Odie off the table! Horrors! So, so funny . . . and original!

But it's not just the lack of evidence here, it's that I am having a difficult time figuring out how to approach the topic without being completely offensive and perpetuating tired stereotypes. (Hey, just like some comic strip artists!) For instance, Jon is a hideous dresser, and so: clearly not gay. Because, as you know, all gay men are very fashion forward and would not be caught dead dressing like Jon. Now, I admit, "gay man as fine dresser" is a stereotype I happen to buy, but what do I do if he likes Liza Minelli? As all gay men do. Or so the stereotype goes . . . and that's one I don't buy. We shall see. . .

Speaking of hideous dressers, let's look at two of the comics' leading ladies shall we?

Here's Lois Flagston yesterday:

Niiice short sleeve turtleneck (!?), Lois. The fluffy neck looks so warm and inviting for a chilly autumn day when you are also wearing short shorts? Huh? And short sleeves? What sort of shirt is this???

And then there is Sally Forth. Now, this particularly fine outfit escaped my initial notice, but Marc caught on to its EEEEEEVIL-ness (click the image to enlarge).

Well, I am off soon on more business travel . . . now to Chicago. So, it's probably going to be at least a week before I post again. Damn my paying job!