Last week we talked about the kite fiasco in Afghanistan. Other parts of that promotion involved handing out copies of the Afghan constitution as well as comic books about gender equality and the rule of law. I find it hard to believe that kids would be interested in reading the constitution, but comic books could work if they were done well. At least the kids were happy to snatch them up and the police weren’t interested at all…they just dumped them on the ground. There is no way of telling whether or not the comics had any effect.
A new comic/graphic novel in Indonesia entitled Ketika Nurani Bicara (When Conscience Speaks) may have a big impact, though. It was produced by Lazuardi Birru, a nonprofit group devoted to promoting pluralism and nonviolence. The book tells the true stories of three people involved in/affected by the 2002 Bali bombing:
- Ali Imron, the one bomber who had remorse after the bombing and was sentenced to life imprisonment instead of being executed,
- a woman whose husband was killed in the bombing, and
- a good Samaritan who helped rescue people.
In addition to telling the effect of the bombing on the victims and their families, the book explains how Ali was recruited, his part in the attack and his life after being arrested. The group spent over a year interviewing, writing and illustrating the book and decided on a graphic novel because they were aiming at 14- to 20-year-olds, and kids love comics.
For more information see the articles Fighting Terror Through Comics and/or Novel About Bali Bombing Spreads Message of Peace and Regret.
Or to get a feeling for the graphics click here to see a short video in Indonesian about the book.
I think it has a good chance of touching some hearts and changing some lives. What do you think?
Seems like an excellent idea to me.
Evan,
Another encouraging development in Indonesia is some Islamic missionaries preaching religious tolerance are playing the role of megastars: Indonesian Muslim Faithful Flocking to Islamic Missionary Megastars
I looked at your Muslim article. In France (the most Muslims in Europe) & in Sweden they wore their traditional garb. I got a bad feeling when I saw so many of them. I know they are innocent but I’m prejudiced, being an American I guess. They don’t dare wear their Muslim dress where I come from.
The comics will be looked at by lots who don’t want to see “boring” articles.
Educate the young generation in the right direction is an invaluable investment. That’s what comes to my mind about this comic.
These will not touch the hearts that need to be touched. The readers who welcome these will be those that are already touched.
tikno,
I agree.
rummuser,
I can imagine some youths who could go either way being influenced.