Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis and stereotypes

Stereotypes: To do or not to do

For the most part, the word 'stereotype' has picked up negative connotations in recent years. However, when we focus on characters in comics, games, or animations, the context shifts. That's because there are certain undeniable truths that accompany stereotypes: It allows the viewer to generate preconceived ideas about the appearance, personality, and cultural baggage for that character. It's like a nice little package that we are already familiar with. Because the viewer automatically has expectations about a stereotype, the artists or writer can use this mindset to their advantage. The artist may chose to uphold a stereotype, making her/him a predictable or easy character, or on the flip side, the artist may chose to break the stereotype completely after setting it up, knowing that the viewer will be surprised by the unexpected change.

Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel, Persepolis, deals with the stereotypes put upon an Iranian woman (as well as a great deal of Iranian Politics-but we'll focus on the stereotyping). As I read on, I gained a great deal of both familiarity and respect for Satrapi. She gives us a clear view into her life specifically. She humanises the American sterotype of an 'Iranian' and brings to light a subject that is little known or discussed here in the USA. Every topic is approached as we grow up with this girl - A child robbed of her childhood thanks to war. A young woman forced to grow up too quickly. The loss of innocence and embarrassment about race. Finding strength in one's family and looking past what other impose on you. Looking beyond the laws and government and standing up for what's right (the list goes on). Satrapi's strong will keeps the reader burning with the feeling of justice for Iranian people as we personally see her grow and develop as a strong female character. Satrapi addresses stereotypes head on, and proves that they may not be true!

So, should stereotypes be used?After reading Persepolis, I must settle on "no". The one who is stereotyped never appreciates it and probably finds it insulting. I can't think of anyone who enjoys being stereotyped (I certainly can't stand it!). Unexpected characters that break the norm tend to be more popular and fresh anyway.

The amazing woman herself: Marjane Satrapi

MAUS

Through Vladek's Eyes

One can say that MAUS is a book about the Holocaust, yet, it is so much more than that. Like Art mentions himself within the first few chapter of the comic, a closer look into the life of a specific person humanizes the whole experience. Ironically, this very humanized story is portrayed with animals for people. This notion of the graphic novel has been widely discussed. I believe Art chose to do so for two reasons: 1) giving each 'race' an animal dumbs down the inferred relationships between these races to their most basic element [ex. Jews are mice, Germans are cats, cats hunt mice], and 2) by simplifying these characters so much and giving them mouse heads, we are able to relate to them better. This concept of cartoons being easier to empathize with compared to more realistic images is thoroughly discussed in chapter two of Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics. By using such simple lines, it is the reader's mind that fills in the rest. In this way, the reader feels more like they are the character rather than just watching the character. What better way to have someone truly understand the experience of the Holocaust than by having them become a part of it?

The story is broken up by the 'return to reality' with Art and Vladek. This was a good decision in terms of story telling. As the tale gets more and more heavy as truths about the Holocaust are revealed, the reader needs the break back into 'present time'. This also helps the reader remember that it's not just a comic about the holocaust they are reading, but the recounted tale of a man who actually lived through it. We are there with Vladek in those scenes, in the room, listening to his accented English as he pedals on his exercise bike.

This, too, humanizes the experience. I believe the reason MAUS is so acclaimed is that it gives the reader an approachable, personal experience of the Holocaust, not just a dry documentary about horrible events.