Cartoon Snakes
I have become a huge fan of Bob’s Burgers, the animated TV show. I’ve only recently discovered this gem, and my partner and I spend a lot of evenings laughing at the show at the end of a long day. Although I enjoy all the characters, I identify a lot with Bob and I can’t wait to see what Linda will do or say next!
Last night we watched an episode that involved a snake (Season 10, Episode 19 “The Handyman Can”). The snake appears in a limousine that the family is riding in and I actually screamed out loud! In fact, I screamed out loud at the scary cartoon snake three different times in the episode. Steve found this wildly entertaining, of course.
I really hate snakes, obviously, but I was a bit taken aback that I would be so scared of a cartoon snake in an animated comedy series! However, the more I thought about this I reminded myself that I have always had a vivid imagination, and often find myself really drawn into movies and TV. (I clearly remember my visceral reaction at the end of “The Empire Strikes Back” when I saw it in the theater the first time! Darth Vader said WHAT to Luke?!?)
Rather than being something to be ashamed of, I actually think this snake reaction points out something that is a gift. I have always been sensitive, feeling emotions in a big way. This helps me have empathy for others, allowing me to “put myself in their shoes.” This is something that I feel has helped me as I interact with people, do podcast and webinar interviews, and work on projects with others. My vivid imagination helps me be creative and get very engrossed in projects. And it has helped me as a designer and an educator.
So I’m here to admit this to the world: “My name is Tim Hinton and I scream at cartoon snakes!” Embrace your own quirky qualities and give the world all you have to offer.
Tim Hinton
June 8, 2023
