hi, my name is dorotha scheisskopf, and i'll be your ta this semester

Today, passing by one of the TA offices, I was called in to offer my professional opinion about this cartoon that was featured in one of the student newspapers. Specifically, I was asked what that was supposed to be on the TA's head, especially given that there were flies buzzing around it. Then, when I revealed myself to be as perplexed as everyone else, I was beseeched, in my role as Nominal Authority Figure, to e-mail an inquiry into the matter. To whit:

I am having trouble figuring out your cartoon today.  First, 

is that supposed to be a pile of feces on the TAs head, or 

something else? Second, if it is supposed to be a pile of feces,

is it a pile of feces because this is supposed to represent the 

content of the TAs head, or is it supposed to represent how the 

regents have treated the TAs in the past?

--Jeremy

The cartoonist responds:

It's not a pile of feces, it's just a hat (with flies 

buzzing around it). However, I suppose it does look that way.  But 

feces or no feces,  I am stating a point that the regents are arguing 

the pay increases because it will make the UW more competitive. [...]

The image was supposed to be a king and a peasant, and if it is feces 

it would only represent the content of the outside of the TA's head 

because they don't have enough money for shampoo, and of course not 

the inside.  TA's deserve the same respect other faculty and staff 

receive because it is from them that I have derived much knowledge, 

many friendships, and of course the motivation behind this cartoon.