June 27, 2005

My Head Hurts! Therefore, Comic Books Are Bad!

Proving once again how culturally irrelevant they are, the Book Babes have declared graphic novels as the harbinger of evil. So suggesth one Ellen Hetzel:

I am patiently working my way through two graphic novels, David B’s Epileptic and Marjane Satrapi's Embroideries, just one more indication in our world that Western culture increasingly depends on visual messages to perceive and understand what's going on. Do I think this is a good thing? No. It seems like the mind has to be able to wrap itself around abstract ideas in order to reason, and visuals—at least as we know them through TV, movies and advertising—cause us to respond instinctively and emotionally.

Let's discuss just how profoundly stupid this paragraph is. Consider the following:

First off, if the objection here is over any book medium contains "abstract ideas," then I suppose we should discount the whole of literature outside of rigid genre-based narratives that offer nothing in the way of ambiguity. Ulysses? Sorry, Mr. Joyce, you're too "abstract." Tristram Shandy? Borges? Faulkner? Gaddis? Lessing? Flann O'Brien? Sorry, folks, the mind must "wrap itself around abstract ideas" in order to understand you. We'll have to throw you into the dust heap. But Dan Brown and John Grisham? Well, you're part of the literal-minded club. So come on by for some barbeque and MGD.

Second, what specifically is wrong with "visual messages?" Is Hetzel really advocating a culture based entirely (if not exclusively) on words? That's sure fantastic for the 42 million Americans who can't read or for quick international symbols that convey a point faster than words. I guess those Egyptians were fundamental dumbasses "wrapping themselves around abstract ideas" when they dared to communicate through hieroglyphics. I suppose Hetzel will be demanding next that we replace erect penises and floppy breasts with great Puritanical raiments of language.

Third, "visual messages" -- or, more specifically, mediums that involve visual messages -- are not exclusive to Western culture, nor are they as recent as Hetzel suggests. (Get schooled in ukiyo-e, Babe.)

Thus, if I am to understand Hetzel's argument, it is this:

1. I can't understand this graphic novel thingy. My head hurts.
2. Well, if I can't understand it, then it must be fundamentally wrong for everybody! It must be abstract!
3. The cute little comic book thingy is composed of "visual messages."
4. Since I can't understand the cute little comic book thingy, therefore anything involving "visual messages" is fundamentally wrong!
5. My head hurts. I'm out of aspirin. This is NOT A GOOD THING!
6. There are other "visual messages" on teevee and advertising.
7. Teevee and advertising are lesser mediums than the book.
8. Therefore, the cute little comic book thingy is a lesser medium.

It's good to have such circular bullshit come so easily, isn't it?

I've had my problems with the Book Babes before, but I never suspected that they'd serve up such idiotic logic. I'm quite stunned that the Book Standard would allow something so fundamentally moronic to infiltrate its pages.

(via Bookslut)

Posted by DrMabuse at June 27, 2005 10:00 AM
Comments

I think you are slightly misinterpreting that. She is saying that we need "abstract ideas" (they are of the good) and that using visuals means the ideas contained therein are no longer abstract.

It's still an idiotic statement.

Hell if Epileptic can't convince here I'm don't know what could... maybe she needs to try Alan Moore's Promethea...

Posted by: derik at June 27, 2005 12:45 PM

Well, Derik, I can see how it can be interpreted that way as well. But even interpreted the other way, I'm troubled by the idea that "abstract ideas" (i.e., reason) is incompatible with feeling. And I too don't believe that there's any hope for someone who can't appreciate "Epileptic."

Posted by: ed at June 27, 2005 01:05 PM

What I love is how she reads 2 graphic novels and then feels free to dismiss the entire genre. I've been reading comics for years, and have read great graphic novels and terrible graphic novels -- just as I've read great books and terrible books.

I am disappointed that her editors let that pass.

although I have to say that I've found Alan Moore is not the author to introduce new readers to comics. Neil Gaiman, Si Spencer, Warren Ellis, Frank Miller have all made converts of my friends, not to mention manga.

Posted by: Cynthia at June 28, 2005 06:37 AM

I would think 'Maus' would be ideal. It has the gravitas and the pedigree to break through most prejudice.

Posted by: Beth Quittman at June 28, 2005 07:58 AM