‘The 99′ is an Islamic-based comic book that first appeared some five years ago. Its popularity has grown in a variety of Islamic countries and has been made into an animated TV cartoon in Europe and perhaps soon to be appearing on American TV screen. ‘The Atlantic’ magazine has an article about the struggle of the cartoons to find a place in the hearts and minds of children around the world.
In the discussion, an interesting point is raised. Traditional ‘superheroes’ tend to be individuals, with individual talents, that form models to which children aspire. One critic notes that by having 99 superheroes, the effect is too dispersed. There is no one to emulate because all of the various qualities are divided out among the group.
Super Muslims
Suzy HansenOn especially thick and gritty days in Kuwait, everything must be done indoors—in cars, malls, hotels, or office buildings. Often, it’s not until you’re in one of those violently air-conditioned high-rise office buildings that you can take in the whole of Kuwait City: urban cylinders of silver and black improbably growing out of nothingness. It’s a strangely drab backdrop for the hyperkinetic Naif al-Mutawa, who sat in a nice tan suit on a couch, and spoke with great enthusiasm and speed. On the walls of his office hung drawings of multicolored characters from his brainchild: The 99, a comic book rooted in Islam that has recently been recast into an animated television series, which may debut in the United States this fall.
“When I gave the direction to the writers in Hollywood for the animation series,” he was saying, “I told them, ‘Only when Jewish kids think these heroes are Jewish, and Christian kids think they’re Christian, will we have achieved something—which is universality.’ Too many people find differences and fight about them. Not enough people are talking about the things that are the same.”
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April:14:2010 - 23:49
The quote of “Only when Jewish children think…”
First of all, no child Christian or Jewish child in the States is going to think of any superheroes religion. That is a very Islamic mindset. Muslim children in Saudi are taught from an early age to first identify a person by her or her religion. All other opinion is formed afterwards. They model the unbecoming behavior of their parents by asking, “What is your religion?”. That is not taught to children in the U.S. Children are brought up not to even take interest in someone’s religion. That is a very private part of one’s identity and irrelevant to whatever topic is at hand. Human dignity and basic moral principles go above what religion a person subscribes.
Furthermore as a side note, I took my children to Riyadh Gallery at an indoor amusement park on the top floor called Al Hokair. I wanted to shoot myself after listening to the Nasheed they were blasting so loudly over the speakers. It was indoctrinating and reminded of something Hitler would have done. “We are the MUSLIM children”. I couldn’t even talk to my children or the company I was with because the music was so loud. VOMIT and so classless for such a nice shopping mall.
April:15:2010 - 09:04
Wow Sparky! As to the first paragraph I would have to agree in large measure. Even in the USA if a child is very aware of their religion they are taught not to ask someone else’s as it is considered very rude and truly irrelevant since we believe religion is a private matter. Plus I don’t think most kids care.
“Human dignity and basic moral principles go above what religion a person subscribes.” Very true. I was taught as I think most kids are taught that ALL people deserve basic respect.
I think you hit the nail on the head above.
April:15:2010 - 11:04
@sparky
I very much agree, there was no overt religious content in any comics during my youth (and I don’t think there is any today). The only magazine with anything like religious content was Mad Magazine and by religious content I mean the Jewish humor in it (I think a spoof with a mikvah joke counts as religious content). Mad was hardly a typical comic even if the audience was young boys.
April:16:2010 - 06:22
Johnny Quest came close to religious identity in cartoons. Recall Hadji?
http://images.quebarato.com.br/photos/big/B/E/506BBE_1.jpg
I think he was portrayed as a Sikh. But, other than that I cannot think of any American cartoon that was based in a religion. Help me out, if I’m missing something.