Check out this article about a recent censorship scandal involving Persepolis and the Chicago public school system. How does this censorship debate connect to the conversation we're having in class about the Muhammed cartoons in Denmark and Spiegelman's argument about them? How do we determine when/ if visual images are too graphic or upsetting to be shared?
The ability to share information about torture and genocide promotes awareness allowing others to act positively in efforts to prevent the obscene from recurring. Unfortunately, this is also opens opportunities for negative reactions such as Muslim extremists reacting violently against the offensive cartoons. Considering both possible results, it is better to continue discussing the questionable rather than be bullied into silence. Yes,the cartoon contest in Denmark was out of line, but we must remember that because these views are still held we need to continue to ask why and how we can fix this. Shutting up and forgetting about it doesn't bring light to the situation, it only veils it. Persepolis is an important book for western students because it lifts this veil allowing us to understand Iranian history and to sympathize with a young girl's coming of age in a culture we need to stop fearing and attempt to know.
ReplyDelete