123: Bernard Cookson

in “Punch”, 10 November 1976

Well this is fairly blunt. But then it is the 70s. Certainly not a cartoon afraid of using blatant stereotypes. Although, since “Harry the Poof” is unseen, it does means that there is some latitude for the readers’ imaginations as to the extent which they wish to make Harry fit their gay stereotype. There’s also the idea that anyone called “The Poof” would constitute a serious threat to the police. Well other than sexually maybe, although that wouldn’t seem to be any part of the joke. Nor does “come out” for that matter.