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 | + | In this comic, [[Ponytail]] is teaching a class about an animal referred to as a "bun". The word "bun" is an informal term used instead of a {{w|rabbit}} or a {{w|hare}}, two animals that are often mistaken for another. The comic lampoons the many misconceptions there exist about these animals. |
− | + | [[Megan]] goes to a Biology class expecting 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. The teacher on the other hand, uses the word bun instead, which is an informal way to describe a small rabbit and says buns are the scientific term, whereas hares and rabbits (the correct names of the animals) are the informal names. | |
− | + | The teacher tells that the smaller the bun, the higher ranking it 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.) It is interesting that he chooses to use the word "rank" to describe rabbits: rabbits live in large groups with no formal hierarchy, unlike wolves who have very definite leaders and social structure. It is also interesting that the word "hierarchy" is in the comic misspelled as "heirarchy", perhaps evoking 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). The comic ends with Megan clarifying that she has the correct understanding of what a "bun" is (which is probably what the reader is thinking at the same time), to which Ponytail replies that "bun" is the scientific term. It is noteworthy that Megan quotes the true scientific term for rabbit-like mammals, "lagomorphs", but Ponytail corrects her by stating that "bun" is actually the scientific term, when in reality "bun" is the most contracted and informal name for a rabbit. | |
− | The title text | + | 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. |
− | + | In [[1663: Garden]], the rabbit image had the filename "[http://xkcd.com/1663/art/important-bun.png important-bun.png]". [[File:Garden Important bun.png]] | |
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
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− | :[ | + | :[Ponytail is holding a pointer to a picture of a rabbit on a board.] |
− | :Ponytail | + | :Ponytail/Teacher: Good morning class! Today, we will be learning about the bun. |
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− | :[ | + | :[Two rabbits are shown, one slightly smaller, and a greater than symbol is pointed at the smaller one.] |
− | :Ponytail | + | :Ponytail/Teacher: Buns have a heirarchy. |
− | :Ponytail | + | :Ponytail/Teacher: A bun's rank is determined by its size. Smaller buns are higher-ranking. |
− | :[ | + | :[Two larger rabbits are around a very tiny rabbit. The smaller rabbit appears to give off a radiant light.] |
− | : | + | :Ponytail/Teacher: Most buns you see are relatively low-ranking. |
− | : | + | :Ponytail/Teacher: But this time of year, a lucky few may catch a glimpse of a ''king bun''. |
− | :[ | + | :[Megan is sitting at a desk with a few books on it, pencil in hand.] |
− | : | + | :Megan/Student: Ok, hang on. |
− | :Student | + | :Megan/Student: We're talking about rabbits and hares, right? Lagomorphs? |
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− | + | :[Ponytail is holding her finger up on her left hand, and is holding her pointer at her side with the other.] | |
− | + | :Ponytail/Teacher: Informally, yes. But in this course, we use the ''scientific'' term, "bun". | |
− | + | :Megan/Student: (off-panel) Are we sure this is the right room for ''introductory mammalogy?'' | |
− | + | :Student #2: (off-panel) I'll check online. | |
− | + | :Student #3: (off-panel) ''Shh!'' Show respect! We look upon the image of a king! | |
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{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
+ | [[Category:Animals]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | ||
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