Muslim Comic Strips
Muslim comic strips or strips that contain Islamic images have become pretty relevant in the news in recent months.
Examples of Muslim comic strips
The following are some recent examples of Muslim comic strips that made headlines:
- In the Netherlands, a series of 12 Muslim comic strips published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten featuring the prophet Mohammed set off a wave of riots amongst in the Islamic community .
- The Washington Post and several other newspapers around the country did not run installment of Berkeley Breathed’s “Opus,” in which the spiritual fad-seeking character Lola Granola appears in a headscarf and explains to her boyfriend, Steve, why she wants to become a radical Islamist. (A response editorial comic strip ran on Cox and Forkum.)
- The New Yorker recently ran a cover that depicted Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama as a Muslim that sent out a wave of protests and complaints including the candidate himself.
Sensitivity to Muslim Comic Strips
There is no question that the sensitivity to Muslim comic strips has been heightened due the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the United States wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. If nothing else, we’ve realized that the international Muslim community is vibrant and wants their voices to be heard. Muslim comic strips, and the protests and sensitivities around them, is just one example of how the message is getting out.
The Future Of Muslim Comic Strips in the Public Eye
Is there a way to depict Islamic images and symbols in a way that engages a healthy discussion? Comic strips use iconographic imagery to strongly express a point. The image of the prophet Mohammed or a burqa provide that grounding from which we can begin to make some points. Should we be forbidden from using those images? Are there other ones that are just as powerful?
Let’s hear your thoughts.
