Beetle Bailey supporting LGBT Troops
While some will take Beetle’s perch astride a rainbow as clear evidence that he is out of the closet, it might be more of an editorial comment by cartoonist Mort Walker, assisted by his son Greg. Perhaps Beetle is just suggesting that the stormy days of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” have finally passed. From here on out, gays and lesbians can anticipate blue skies as they serve their country out in the open.
Sexist jokes are just for laughs
For anyone has followed Beetle Bailey through his tour of duty in the Army, beginning in 1950, it’s no secret the daily newspaper comic strip leans heavily on the stereotypes of the military to create laughs. In the 1980’s, women went on the war path over Walker’s depicting Brigadier General Halftrack’s office assistant Miss Buxley as a dumb blond who was only hired to be “eye candy” for him and the other officers. Sexist jokes were mostly, and still can be, the norm within the comic strip.
Still lots of punching and drinking
There are still references to gratuitous violence, excessive drinking, and plain old stupidity that make up the cast of characters. Walker has shied away from making any political statements especially in time of war. Regardless of the failings of the characters in the Beetle Bailey comic strip, Walker will infuse a couple strips patriotism to honor those who have served our country. I would never expect Beetle Bailey to have broached the topic of gays in the military while the controversy was raging.
Armed Forces welcome the Rainbow
Now that it is a settled matter, Mort Walker may have determined that it was time to give a subtle nod to all those that served under a cloud and threat of discharge. Many gays and lesbians serving are excited that they don’t have to worry about who they are. The clouds have cleared and the sky is blue. Is Beetle Bailey gay or is he just happy for his Army pals? I don’t really think it matters. What matters is that a wonderful 63 year old comic strip can be just as relevant in 1950 as it is in 2013, while supplying plenty of laughs.
No Surprise here
And if you are too young to remember, “Surprise, Surprise, Surprise” was sort of the catch phrase for Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Gomer was played by Jim Nabors who started the role as the gas station attendant on the Andy Griffith Show. Jim Nabors married his partner of 38 years, Stan Cadwallader, in January of 2013 in Seattle, Washington.