Did you see my comic on 11-3-05 where the Pointy-Haired Boss is interviewing for a new Boss’s Pet? Here it is again in case you missed it.
[missing image]
It’s mildly amusing at best. But the original version, that didn’t make it past my editor, was a bit edgier. It looked like this.
[missing image]
Can you guess why it was rejected? I’ll give you a minute to think about it before I tell you the answer. Hint: It’s not as obvious as you think.
Waiting…
Waiting…
Waiting…
Time’s up. Pencils down. You probably guessed that it was too sexual because of the inference that the Pet is being asked to hump the Boss’s leg. That’s close, but not precisely right. The problem was that it smacked of sexual harassment.
I was blind to that interpretation when I drew it because the Boss isn’t expecting any sexual gratification out of the deal. It’s just his leg, after all. All he’s doing is seeing how well qualified she is for the job. And I would have done exactly the same joke if the interviewee had been a guy.
But I think my editor is right. It could be interpreted the inappropriate way for sure.
How many of you first saw it as sexual harassment?