Which One Is You?
Posted by Matt
Hi John. It’s Matt.
I’m finding that it’s difficult to control my leftist impulses as I seek to populate our website with information and insights. As painful as it has become, I have taken your plan for “No Rants” to heart. I know that you are placing limits on me in order to create the tension and difficulty that are at the heart of artistic creation.
The other day I had a strong urge to post on our site this illustration of our society, one of my favorites. I wanted to ask our friends here to identify themselves from among the people on the various strata. Which are you? Is everybody covered here? I think if you put some guitars on the guys in the “We Fool You” platform, that actually might be The Twilight Hours. Me in the middle, John on stage left. And then the ghost of David Gates is his orange robe hovering on stage right.
To make it easier for everyone to respond, I would number and label each character in the image so that visitors could identify them by rolling over them with their mouse. Then I would ask our visitors to respond in the comments below: “Which One Is You?”
But it occurred to me that you might think that I was trying to smuggle in a Communist rant by presenting this strangely moving but anti-Capitalist picture. So I decided to back off and ask you if it would be alright if I was to proceed. John, would you object if I was to post this diagram of the Capitalist system that has been so kind to us?
17 Comments
Coming as no surprise to anyone, I must confess I am #1, the communist rabble rouser. As my mouse rolled over I tried to defy the label, but in my gut I knew I needn’t roll over any further. I protest that this fate was destiny, my grandfather and namesake was an axe handle wielding teamster at a time when that was the only power union members held, Yet I will admit I’m kinda proud of it too. But I prefer the moniker “bleeding heart” as evoked in that classic depiction of Jesus, the original and greatest bleeding heart liberal of all.
I mean that reverently. The stories of Jesus taught to me by the Franciscans, sitting legs crossed with their songs and guitars, is the archetype of my liberal authority rebelling values, as ironic as that may seem to some.
As for the heroes above us, my son recently directed me to this inspirational tribute to our very first, very own American superhero and father figure. I found it quite stirring.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbRom1Rz8OA
Posted by Spike
Um, the video linked above is not suitable for work or other areas with kids in earshot, for some.
Posted by Spike
I’ll take lady 7…:)
Love the illustrations…reminds me of my favorite childhood book…Struwwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffman!
Posted by Kara
I feel I must explain my decision to select myself as the surprisingly attractive riveter…well, obviously she’s a hard worker, productive with really good form compared to all of those around her and she looks good doing it!
Posted by Kara
I can’t decide between (15) Unattractive Tablesman and the wonderful anonymity of (6.5) Stalker.
Posted by psh
Another confused soul: A cross between (4) Hammer-bearing Gaysman and (20) Secret Crier of Lonely Tears.
Posted by real_pseudonym
“secret crier of lonely tears” and “resentful shovelsman.” This isn’t TOO ranty. I’m bad at sticking to my guns though… except when it comes to keeping you down!
Posted by John
John…..Matt has already designated you a fool…!
Posted by Kara
yo, blood, in the picture I believe it is everyone ELSE who is being fooled! BY ME, David Gate’s ghost and Matt! Lord, you wouldn’t want me to be one of thems with a gun, now would you? But I have autonomy and will pick who I am, thank you. Now you see the resentful shovelsman in full effect, and later the secret crier of lonely tears for having been so forthright.
Posted by John
Since I don’t see beer-drinking TTH fan as an option, I guess I must be #2, Cringing Flagsman. Also, I think the Foolers should supercede the Rulers.
Posted by floyderdog
Regrettably, I’m Mr. Intolerable.
Posted by airstream
Hey, Mr. Intolerable looks like he’s having a good time…!
And I think 12 fits the beer-drinking TTH fan who may have overdosed on the heady excitement of finally seeing Matt and John in action again!
Posted by Kara
I have to go with Prviate Doer of Unspeakable Deeds, although I cannot speak of which deeds, specifically that I have been doing. Perhaps when this all blows over…
Posted by Empty Queue
Fool me, fools, fool me!
Posted by Tico
I’m Satan - just left the pic but you can see the dump I left at the top (disguised as the $$ bag - they always fall for that one!).
BZ
Posted by Eric
I’m probably 10, but 17 looks way more fun. I suppose I should shoot for 16. That diagram is super labley, and the site in general is super linky -nice!
Posted by unimommer
I am or have been 4, 5.5, 8, and (having served in the military) 25.
I like the labels and the illustration and using it for a survey. Thank you for doing this site.
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