2010-09-09
Explanation
This comic presents three parallel scenarios that expose a double standard in how society views claims of inability. In the first two panels, labeled "Considered Sensible," a person says "I can't paint" and "I can't do calculus," respectively. When asked if they have ever practiced or opened a textbook, they dismiss the suggestion with "I'm not creative" or "I don't have the knack." These responses are treated as perfectly normal and reasonable.
In the third panel, labeled "Considered Crazy," someone says "I can't walk." When another person suggests the straightforward remedy -- standing on two legs and moving them back and forth -- the first person responds sarcastically, "Oh, like it's that easy." The joke highlights that people routinely dismiss their potential in intellectual or artistic skills by claiming innate lack of talent, and society accepts this. But if someone applied the same logic to a basic physical ability like walking, it would sound absurd. Weiner is satirizing how people hide behind the idea of "natural talent" to avoid the effort of learning, treating skills like math and art as if they were as innate and unlearnable as walking.