HOLOCAUST GRAPHIC NOVEL MAUS AND OTHER MEDIA THAT BRING HORRORS OF WAR TO LIFE


By bblouin
star of david pendant

A stirring animation about war and one of the worst times in history, the Holocaust graphic novel Maus allows us to examine difficult topics related to war and injustice. The graphic novel Maus is regaining a moment in the spotlight, despite being published in 1980 and running through 1991 by American cartoonist Art Spiegelman, after making national headlines recently. As part of his collection of comics, RAW, Maus continues to approach uncomfortable issues surrounding the Holocaust. Throughout history, art and animation about war have helped viewers gain a closer look at the underbelly of times no man should wish upon another. Suggested read:Exploring Poems for the Military & Vets on National Haiku Poetry Day

Understanding Complex Issues Through "Maus" Graphic Novels

Maus the graphic novel is a tale depicting the events that occurred to Spiegelman's father, a Polish Jew, during the Holocaust. This non-fiction account is of an interview between Spiegelman and his father happening in Queens, New York City, in the late ’70s, which would be framed by depictions of these discussions in the mid-1930s through the end of the Holocaust. In total, this survivor's tale uses nearly 300 pages to showcase complex issues surrounding the social and political nature of the Holocaust and World War II. Some of the common themes throughout Maus include the way people look, racism, survivor's guilt, and the generational gaps found through exploring the memories of previous generations. Spiegelman would use the animations of mice (the Jews), cats (the Nazis), and pigs (the Polish) to showcase the Holocaust with very few real photos throughout. This artistic choice has been criticized by some who believe cartoonish depictions can downplay the events of such a historical moment; however, in doing so, Spiegelman allows some of the most graphic things surrounding the Holocaust to become accessible to the general public.

Graphic Novel "Maus" Banned in Tennessee

One of the reasons that the graphic novel Maus has revitalized its popularity is due to a controversial ban in the state of Tennessee. Though approved by a Tennessee state curriculum review, the board of trustees for McMinn County Schools in the eastern part of Tennessee overruled the review unanimously. The censorship of Holocaust graphic novel Maus continues to be a controversial issue, especially with Maus having direct ties to the Holocaust, a time that would see Nazis impose their own censorship on books. The controversies surround the appropriateness of such literature for children who are 13 years old or under. The issues brought up by the school board include the graphic novel’s language, violent themes including murder and suicide, and a nude drawing of a cat that represents a woman. Proponents of Maus’ censorship have looked to these themes as justifications for the censorship to protect children with more age-appropriate content as part of the curriculum. “(We) don’t need to enable or somewhat promote this stuff. It shows people hanging, it shows them killing kids. Why does the educational system promote this kind of stuff? It is not wise or healthy,” said board member Tony Allman, according to the Smithsonian Magazine. Conversely, opponents believe that the censorship Maus is experiencing is part of larger trends aimed at censoring content in American schools and libraries. Many also believe that there is no good depiction of war or the Holocaust and that censoring such content only hurts the education of similar subject matter for children. “Maus has played a vital role in educating about the Holocaust through sharing detailed and personal experiences of victims and survivors. On the eve of International #HolocaustRemembranceDay, it is more important than ever for students to learn this history,” said the U.S. Holocaust Museum via its Twitter account. “Teaching about the Holocaust using books like Maus can inspire students to think critically about the past and their own roles and responsibilities today,” the thread continued.

1/ Maus has played a vital role in educating about the Holocaust through sharing detailed and personal experiences of victims and survivors. On the eve of International #HolocaustRemembranceDay, it is more important than ever for students to learn this history.

— US Holocaust Museum (@HolocaustMuseum) January 27, 2022

No matter where you stand, the impact that Maus continues to have in the world of war novels is evident. Following the controversy, The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale shot up to be the #1 seller on Amazon.

"Grave of the Fireflies": Naoki Prize Won From War Tragedy

Looking at anime about war, one of the most notable pieces of work comes from the legendary animation studio Studio Ghibli called Grave of the Fireflies. The film is based on a semi-autobiographical short story of the same name created in 1967 by Akiyuki Nosaka. It is widely acclaimed for its stunning animation and is another major piece of art that uses the beauty of animation to highlight the ugliness of the Second World War. The use of animation can allow a softness of war without demeaning those affected or the horrors that occurred during such times. After its publication, graphic novel Maus would go on to win a variety of awards throughout the years, including one of the most prestigious awards for such a work, a Pulitzer Prize (the Special Award in Letters). To this date, the Holocaust graphic novel Maus is the only graphic novel to win such an award. The reception of anime about war and other animations, such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Grave of the Fireflies, Maus, etc., can all help civilians learn more about intricate topics surrounding war, genocide, and politics in a way that other media may fail to do. More like this:11 of the Best Military Movies in 2022 To Binge-Watch Now


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