Outlookin

This week’s new Dustinland comic was inspired by my last trip into the city for work. I was walking to the office when I had this realization that I could be unfairly assuming everyone is awful. I mean, they could be, but is that the best way to live? I remember this graduation speech that David Foster Wallace gave, where basically he said sure, we can assume the worst of everyone, we may even be right about it… but we should strive to not see the world that way. After all, will it make us happier to live in protective bubbles of cynicism and disdain, or will it make us hate life and everyone around us?

Now, I’m not saying I live in the happy rainbow world either. But we’re always evolving and I think at least I’m more and more aware of my thoughts and sub-thoughts, and all I can do is strive to be better and happier.

Also weed girl in the comic is not a real person. I just thought it would be a funny way to end the strip so I made up this stoner friend. I do actually know someone like that but he’s a pretty normal looking dude and I didn’t feel like drawing that. High five.

They’re Listening

This week’s new Dustinland comic is about how our kids are silently absorbing all the negative political conversations we have while they’re playing off in the corner, seemingly ignoring us.

Now, in the comic, I joke about being proud of my son’s actual real life quote, but in all seriousness, I find it concerning. I don’t want him to be as stressed out and negative as I am. But I guess it can’t help but seep in. Because they really are little sponges, and they’re listening, even when you think they’re not. And whether you’re a liberal, a conservative, or something in between (which I think is actually the truth for most of us), we need to protect our kids from the unrelenting negativity, hate and cynicism that’s dominating politics in the U.S. — and in much of the world, from what it sounds like. We need the next generation to grow up thinking they can make a difference, in their own lives, and to the world.

So yeah, as funny as it can seem, no more Dusty Downers…

Optimist Prime

This week’s new Dustinland comic is about optimism. I know! Me, right? Well, I won’t give anymore away — the comic really explains the whole thing. By the way, I still haven’t finished the book I refer to in the strip, so maybe I’ll have to make a follow up comic at some point in the future if things go awry.