2012-03-27
Explanation
This comic depicts a first-contact scenario between aliens and humanity, with an unexpected twist about leadership criteria. Cone-shaped aliens arrive with their spaceships and demand: "Humans! We demand to see your leader!" The President of the United States (depicted as a bald Black man, likely referencing Barack Obama or a generic president) introduces himself: "Hello, I'''m the president of the most powerful nation on Earth."
The aliens dismiss him immediately: "Bah! You cannot be in charge. We want to see whoever is the most aerodynamic." The final panel reveals the Pope asleep in bed wearing his tall pointed mitre (hat), with a "#1 Pope" mug on his nightstand. The implication is that by the aliens''' aerodynamic standards, the Pope -- with his tall, pointed hat -- is the most streamlined human leader and therefore must be the true ruler of Earth.
The humor works because the aliens''' criteria for leadership is entirely based on their own cone-shaped physiology. Being cone-shaped themselves, they naturally assume that the most aerodynamic (pointy) leader must be the most important. It'''s a commentary on how we project our own values and physical norms onto others when evaluating leadership and status. The votey shows a woman asking a man in bed "You'''re jealous of the Pope'''s hat, aren'''t you?" and he admits "A little" -- a relatable aside about the undeniable appeal of the mitre'''s dramatic silhouette.