In the comic strip, Fred Basset by Alex Graham, we see that Fred, the dog, is hilariously sending a "b-mail" as opposed to an e-mail. Not only does this bark mail punch line provide hours of uproarious laughter, I think it provides some pretty serious commentary on the state of communication in this day and age.
In the first panel we see Fred's owner sitting at his computer, presumably sending an email. He is completely disconnected, blank stare, back turned away from his best friend, Fred, typing away oblivious to the world around him.
Now, Fred, on the other hand sees this as an opportunity for real communication. He does not just sit in front of a screen. He goes outside, facing the world around him, and calls out to his friend. We don't see it, but I bet Jock would respond in the next panel, and after that they would get together for some good old fashion dog fun. Not only this, but as Fred send his "b-mail" he wears an exuberant expression on his face. Probably partly because he knows he is being clever, but mostly, because he is really communicating with those that he loves.
That is where the message lies in this genius bit of comic wit. Humanity has lost touch, with each other and with ourselves. We not longer communicate, but rely on electronics and magic to get our message out there. Case in point, I am using the Internet to get my feelings about this comic strip. I should be out there on the streets, talking about that truth that lies in the soul of Fred Basset. Fred (dogs/nature in general) have the right idea. They still use eye contact, voices, and emotion to communicate with each other.
Humanity needs to take a lesson from this hound, let's re-open our lines of direct communication, and send a few "b-mails" of our own.
