Tom Hardy and a Puppy Visit the Patrick Dougherty Environmental Sculpture at the Morton Arboretum

"Tom," said the puppy, licking its nose, "I've been thinking about the nature of humor." Tom nodded agreeably, with a lifted eyebrow. "Oh, really?" he said, with piqued interest. "And what have you been thinking about it?" And the puppy said, "I've been thinking about how when humor challenges privilege, it's a radical act, but when humor mocks marginalized people and puppies, it's just bullying." And Tom said, "You know, puppy, the great Molly Ivins had a marvelous quote about that. She said: 'Satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful. I only aim at the powerful. When satire is aimed at the powerless, it is not only cruel—it's vulgar.' She was a smart lady." And the puppy wagged its tail and said: "She sounds terrific!" And then the puppy added, ruefully: "Tom, I wish people wouldn't be bullies." And Tom said, "Me, too, puppy. Me, too."