Editing 1682: Bun
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | In this comic, [[Ponytail]] is teaching a class about an animal referred to as a "bun". The word "bun" is short for {{w|bunny}} | + | In this comic, [[Ponytail]] is teaching a class about an animal referred to as a "bun". The word "bun" is here short for {{w|bunny}} an informal term used about {{w|rabbit}} and sometimes used for {{w|hare}}, two animals that are often mistaken for another. The comic lampoons the many misconceptions there exist about these animals. |
− | + | Of course {{w|bun}} literally means a baker product, but it also a well used slang for {{w|buttocks}}, which maybe intentionally, this time of year where more and more of this latter type of buns becomes exposed with the better weather | |
− | + | Ponytail tells that buns have a {{w|hierarchy}} in which the smaller the bun, the higher it's ranking is. This parodies the general tendency of people to consider kitten rabbits cuter than the adults, and therefore superior. (Cuteness is a fitness signal that encourages parental nurturing, and can, as in this case, sometimes be perceived across species boundaries). All in this sentence is utter nonsense as rabbits live in large groups with no formal hierarchy, unlike {{w|wolves}} who have very definite leaders and social structure. The word "hierarchy" is misspelled in the comic as "heirarchy", probably inentionally to evoke the pronunciation "hare-rarchy", as in "a hierarchy of hares". It might also be a portmanteau of "heir" and "hierarchy", reflecting the highest status being accorded to the youngest rabbits. | |
− | + | In the next panel, Ponytail states that "at this time of year, a lucky few may catch a glimpse of a king bun" - referring to rabbit kittens (the smallest and thus, in the comic, the highest-ranking, hence the term "king buns") being born in Spring (when the comic was released). | |
− | + | [[Megan]], who attends this biology class, expected to learn about rabbits and hares which are both {{w|Lagomorpha|lagomorphs}}, a mammalian {{w|Order (biology)|order}} that also includes the {{w|pika}}s. Megan thus clearly have the correct understanding of what a "bun" is. Ponytail then claims that the word ''bun'' is the scientific term, and states that rabbit, hare and lagomorph is the informal way to describe these animals, again being completely wrong as in reality ''bun'' is the most contracted and informal name for a rabbit. | |
− | + | The title text is presumably referring to photographing a rabbit and, for example, posting it on social media - something which would typically be done today if someone sees a rabbit in the wild. If the poster had failed to photograph the rabbit before it ran away, they may typically post a message saying something like "I saw a really cute bunny today!" with an {{w|emoji}} depiction of a rabbit (probably 🐇 or 🐰). This is especially common in the area where the author lives, as the urban rabbit population in the Cambridge/Somerville area has exploded, putting a large human population with relatively little previous experience with rabbit-sightings suddenly in the position of encountering them very frequently. | |
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+ | In [[1663: Garden]], the [[Media:Garden Important bun.png|rabbit image]] had the filename "[http://xkcd.com/1663/art/2x-important-bun.png important-bun.png]". | ||
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+ | A teacher teaching complete nonsense is depicted in [[1519: Venus]], but here it is clearly on purpose, which is not so clear here. There is also some similarities with [[1644: Stargazing]], but here the facts are true. Recently there was also another comic about spreading misinformation about the use of language in [[1677: Contrails]]. | ||
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
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:Ponytail: Good morning class! Today, we will be learning about the bun. | :Ponytail: Good morning class! Today, we will be learning about the bun. | ||
− | :[Two rabbits are shown, | + | :[Two rabbits are shown, one slightly smaller, and a greater than symbol is pointed at the smaller one. Ponytail is talking off panel to the left. Note that hierarchy may be misspelled intentionally.] |
− | :Ponytail (off panel): Buns have a | + | :Ponytail (off panel): Buns have a heirarchy. |
:Ponytail (off panel): A bun's rank is determined by its size. Smaller buns are higher-ranking. | :Ponytail (off panel): A bun's rank is determined by its size. Smaller buns are higher-ranking. | ||
− | :[ | + | :[Two normal sized rabbits are sitting left and right of a very small rabbit. The smaller rabbit appears to give off a radiant light indicated with gray and white alternating rays going through the image. It is indicated that is shines on the larger rabbits as they are gray on the side turned away from the smaller rabbit and white on the front turned towards it. Ponytail narrates above the frame of this half sized panel:] |
:Ponytail (narrating): Most buns you see are relatively low-ranking. | :Ponytail (narrating): Most buns you see are relatively low-ranking. | ||
:Ponytail (narrating): But this time of year, a lucky few may catch a glimpse of a ''king bun''. | :Ponytail (narrating): But this time of year, a lucky few may catch a glimpse of a ''king bun''. | ||
:[A student represented by Megan is sitting at a desk with a few books on it, pencil in hand.] | :[A student represented by Megan is sitting at a desk with a few books on it, pencil in hand.] | ||
− | :Megan: | + | :Megan: Ok, hang on. |
:Megan: We're talking about rabbits and hares, right? Lagomorphs? | :Megan: We're talking about rabbits and hares, right? Lagomorphs? | ||
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:Ponytail: Informally, yes. But in this course, we use the ''scientific'' term, "bun". | :Ponytail: Informally, yes. But in this course, we use the ''scientific'' term, "bun". | ||
:Student #1 (off-panel): Are we sure this is the right room for ''introductory mammalogy?'' | :Student #1 (off-panel): Are we sure this is the right room for ''introductory mammalogy?'' | ||
− | :Student #2 (off-panel): I'll check online. | + | :Student #2 (off-panel) : I'll check online. |
− | :Student #3 (off-panel): ''Shh!'' Show respect! We look upon the image of a king! | + | :Student #3 (off-panel): ''Shh!'' Show respect! We look upon the image of a king! |
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{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
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[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | ||
[[Category:Animals]] | [[Category:Animals]] | ||
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