Recently a reader posted a concern over my character Simon. His concern is that Simon represents a negative stereotype that reflects badly on real-life gay men. He feels that as a member of the media I might be teaching heterosexuals that all gay men are effeminate fashionistas. And that those heterosexuals will therefore not treat real gay men very well when they meet them.
Simon, one of my favorite characters, is based on my own beloved hairdresser, who gives me suggestions for Simon every time I get a haircut. Simon is a hairdresser, first and foremost, and as a hairdresser he represents the sort of gay man who would become a hairdresser. One who likes hair, and fashion...and has a flare for the dramatic.
Simon is no more a representative of all gay men than Holly is a representative of all middle school girls. They are just characters in a comic strip, with attributes that make them fun to write for.
While I don't agree with the reader, I certainly respect his opinion I can't discount his experience or feelings. If any other readers have their own opinions on the topic, I invite you to post them.
PS Hopefully this is beyond necessary... but hateful comments will be deleted.
I've been reading your comics since Sister City days. I've always enjoyed Simon, he seems to really enjoy life. :-)
Please don't tone him down! :-)
Posted by: Sue | August 14, 2009 at 12:30 AM
Hello,
Did you know that " gotta " is not a word. The correct ( one and only way ) way is
" Got To ". Could you please correct this in your comics? When people talk like this ( the majority of americans ) they are trying to dumb down the english language.
Posted by: Colin | August 14, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Colin, "gotta" isn't a word of course, but that doesn't mean Jan is trying to dumb down the english language you know.
Simon is one character I love the most. Just because he's a hairdresser doesn't mean he's gay. He has the touch with words and often gives Val some advices.
Oh, and Jan. I don't know if you'll ever read my comment, but I wanted to say thanks, because I started drawing and create my own comic strip.
Continue your beautiful work! I just love reading Stone Soup every morning after work. If you ever want to see my work, don't hesitate to contact me.
Long life to Stone Soup!
Posted by: Sébastien | August 22, 2009 at 08:16 AM
Hi Jan, Just discovered your website. As far as Simon is concerned, I have always considered him a very positive character. He makes Val and Mom feel SO much better. Leave him as he is.
Posted by: Sally | September 10, 2009 at 02:56 PM