MAUS: The comics that won the Pulitzer Prize | Excerpt from "The Art Of Spiegelman"

[@Maddie9185]

Tell kids they can’t do something and that’s exactly what they are going to do. So I hope that every school that has banned this book has kids that will seek this book out.

[@MFPhoto1]

In Tennessee? That's where I grew up and went through school. Kids there, as well as parents, don't seek out books. Note I said I went through school, and not that I was educated there. I had to educate myself.

[@BBPalmer420]

True, in TN the majority of kids don't care about seeking out a banned book

[@simonfrederiksen104]

Loved that comic. Finding that in the school library by chance and reading it was one of the greatest moments as a kid. Wouldn't want any kid to miss that experience if they want to take the plunge. Greetings from Denmark

[@michaelschwartz8730]

I always used to agree with Art Spiegelman about not turning Maus into an animated film or series. But I'm starting to think now may be the right time

[@d.powers3428]

Now is the time. Like no other in recent history.

[@michaelschwartz8730]

@Jorge H. When the book was new, animated films with actual depth were a rarity in America. Not anymore. And this "ban" makes it clear that Maus needs to reach as large an audience as possible.

[@wilhelmvg9978]

I wholeheartedly disagree. It is a flawless work of art and literature as it stands. Among other issues, adapting Maus into a series or film means producers and advertisers will be profiting from the Holocaust. Secondly, Vladek is dead, and it’s his story. It will never happen. Spiegelman has received massive offers every year since Maus was published.

[@PiroKUSS]

@@wilhelmvg9978 Don't be ridiculous. No work of art is ever flawless.

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

I've read Maus. It is a masterpiece but I still think Netflix or HBO could make an amazing series out of it for audiences who don't read graphic novels.

[@xLymonx]

Thx Tennessee for reintroducing this marvelous graphic novel.

[@Trapewurm]

spiegelman, your books have reached more impactfully than any Disney animation or work could ever hope to do.

[@sandramorey2529]

I discovered Maus either through the Berkeley Barb or maybe the Oracle. I was not into graphic novels so it took awhile till I read it. I am not the child of survivors. My family left for the U.S. at the turn of the 20th Century so we avoided the Holocaust ( unless there should be another one coming here in the near future). But I probably have extended family that did not leave and did not survive. So I really feel Maus is an important piece of history and it should be widely available to all school kids. We have kids in public schools who come from Armenians, Laotions, Native Americans and so many families that experienced genocides. In WW2 so many perished. Russians, Polish Christians, LGBTQ, disabled folks, political dissidents and so on.

[@dublindutch6346]

As a European, i never heard of Maus before that crazy school in bumfuck USA banned it, but judging by the many comments from Americans it sounds like a real piece of art with valuable lessons for children. I will let the school of my kids know for sure. My daughter of 10 has already read Anne Frank's diary, and i will most certainly get her a copy of this novel soon. The author is my kinda guy as well, just vaping in a CNN interview is saw earlier haha.

[@Aladayle]

I'm not sure a 10 year old is the right age but if you're set on it just make sure that you read it first so you can answer any difficult questions. They show many kinds of torture and murder -- small children are shown being killed by officers, that sort of thing. Men are burned to death.

[@tehpeasant]

In my opinion it's more directed to adults, 10 sounds too young

[@joncarroll2040]

It's definitely more of a book for teenagers.

[@kikijewell2967]

Better for high school. It's nightmare inducing. I'd definitely read it with her. I'd also read Barefoot Gen, which Art Spiegleman wrote the introduction to the English translation. It's even more of a masterpiece, in my opinion.

[@serendipitypjms]

i feel so honored to have read this book in middle school. it's so heartbreaking to hear maus being banned from schools in tennesse because these it is these kinds of stories about the holocaust that everyone needs to know about. we can't erase this part of history.

[@eduardoramirezjr4403]

This was one of most popular graphic novels among students at my high school when it was first published. The teachers encouraged us to read , discuss, debate and reflect on the theme. Now mind you, I went to a Catholic HS where the nuns would remove the centerfold from the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. But they never once censored or banned this novel from the library.

[@pietmarks127]

Came across my copy of MAUS during a recent move after not having seen it for some time, fortuitously in this banal retrogressive Trumpian Era. Rereading it almost brought me to tears. I grew up in the 50's in Amsterdam where I was born. As a child I was made very much aware of the Holocaust, especially since the significant Jewish population there was wiped out in WW II and the old Jewish neighborhood was razed, no one there anymore. It is more than embarrassing that now 75 years after the end of WW II, Neo Nazism, book banning and other retrogressive actions are back in the news. Now is the time to pick up a copy and spread it's message before it is too late.

[@JacksonDreyer]

This is outstanding

[@safe-keeper1042]

Finally got around to ordering this. Looking forward to it.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Same here.

[@Shadow-mi8qs]

Vladek's voice is the exact same voice I used to read Maus. Its a perfect coincidence

[@Dobviews]

The Board Of Education in McMinn TN have banned this book in my home state due to ignorance and intentionally keeping children in the dark about hate. I am so ashamed of the state of TN.

[@MrJboogie04]

Yeah people need to retaliate against these book bands and put on book banning events at local bookstores. I couldn't imagine living in a red wing State with all these ignorant fascists running around spreading their misinformation and hate. I live overseas in a so called communist country that is actually a lot more open minded then these fascist right wingers. Its sad to see actual Nazi parties coming to power again in the United States. Its important for children to learn the truth both good and bad about history.

[@vigigejmer9813]

@@MrJboogie04 who are Nazis? Why are you calling others facists? Maybe you are facist. It is easy for you to label People.

[@MrJboogie04]

Because there are actually Nazis walking the streets in Florida and students have created Nazi parties in schools as well. Also how about the Oath Keepers and other white power groups. Who is out screaming at school boards about CRT which isn't even being taught? How about spying and reporting on teachers who dare bring up issues of race? People have a right to a difference of opinion but hate of others for religion or race shouldn't be tolerated. America is a melting pot of cultures and a free country for those escaping persecution from other countries. Its becoming an oligarchy run by the rich and corporate powers on both sides crushing the working class and avarage citizen.

[@vigigejmer9813]

@@MrJboogie04 Germans were Nazis. You failed. Get back to school or hit the right books.

[@tommyt1971]

@@vigigejmer9813 This person is absolutely right: trying to get books removed, either thru legal or pervasive means, is fascism. Hitler ordered it in 1933 in Germany and there were mass burnings across the country. Trying to replace school board members with people who will agree to such action is fascism. Democracy is meant to represent all viewpoints of all people but there’s still a facet of it that will challenge any viewpoint like those member of the BOE of McMinn who want to restrict things because they’re offended AND will defend the rights we have in the 1st Amendment. If people in that community don’t want their kids reading a story like this one, I’m fine with their rules for their kids. BUT assuming that the entire community needs to have rules or laws preventing the book from being offered by a school curriculum or in a public library is pure arrogance and only a first step to destroying democracy.

[@mlight6845]

In the late 60's Time did a series about Germany during WWII. As a pre-teen I was interested because my ancestors hail from Bavaria. The unvarnished truth of the sadistic violence is what stayed with me when I read the stories and looked at the pictures. I would have much preferred to have learned from Maus where there was a context of a survivor living safely in America.

[@annepascoe3029]

This clip found me , yesterday I found out they have banned this book in Tennessee

[@cryptcryptici8004]

My mom was Jewish, my dad was Catholic. My Dad rescued my mother from London during WW2.. my dad passed away and I grew up Jewish in Oakland CA. I came back to Alameda county, after I had an operation at u.c.s.f. my narcissistic upstairs neighbor who is an Aryan nation bully from eastern Europe torment's me still. I had to call the anti defamation league, because these old wemen tried to actually attack me with their constantly barking dogs. my crime was yelling shut up at her dogs. But it is obvious why the hatred continues. It still goes on. God bless this man for writing this book and informing the public about this horrific nightmare...

[@Tipsylilly]

I honestly have never heard about this book and the reason is it was banned in texas schools a long time ago and i went to school in texas from 2005-2018 but now since the school board of tenesse banned it and its coming to light i really wanna read this book😭

[@christianerardt3705]

I love this comic - it's fantastic but really scaring, if you think about how people are able to treat other people just for thinking they were better

[@EsotericOccultist]

It's still happening today. I went on a dating site and women were acting like I had to buy them something or take them out somewhere to get on their good side as if they're above me or something. It's really dehumanizing.

[@safe-keeper1042]

@@EsotericOccultist wow. Someone is incredibly attention-starved.

[@sandal_thong8631]

@@EsotericOccultist You can go dutch with your friends' girlfriends since you're not dating them.

[@mountainfisher4183]

I am buying as many books as i can afford, And sharing them.

[@sandal_thong8631]

I wish he had tried to reconstruct his mother's experience from her friends. He said he didn't want a Maus III, but there's a big missing piece that doesn't say how his mother survived. In Maus II, his father says he was the only one who survived from his group that arrived there because his Kapo kept him in his room because he taught him English. It's really remarkable that both of them survived.

[@simonfrederiksen104]

Loved that comic. Finding that in the school library by chance and reading it was one of the greatest moments as a kid. Greetings from Denmark

[@borntoexplore982]

Considering the reading proficiency for the high school in Tennessee responsible for blocking “Maus” is 33%, I’m guessing the deeper meaning would be over the heads of a large number of the students there.

[@mollydooker9636]

It may well be over the heads of the school board as well, or they just want to remain wilfully ignorant.

[@sandal_thong8631]

Pictures are dangerous. I heard a quote again recently from a politician who said he didn't care about the newspapers because his constituents don't read, but he does care about political cartoons.

[@arthurtripp6922]

THANK YOU FOR OPENING THE MIND TO PEOPLE LET THEM READ AND FIND A TRUE VIEW OF CARTOONS THAT TEACH THE WORLD.

[@surquhart64]

I can only but thank the Board of Education in McMinn, Tennessee for drawing this MAGNIFICENT WORK back into public attention and debate. Their stupidity and ignorance will forever be known and go down in derisive history. Art Spiegelman will eventually thank them too, for establishing renewed attention and emphasis on this important piece of art. Oh, as for that Board of Ed....two wagged fingers to you (I'm British), and yah boo sucks!!!!

[@sandal_thong8631]

They said in an interview the next segment of 8th grade studies is Japanese [American] internment camps. Maybe they'll try to sabotage that next.

[@lisareed5669]

Brilliant

[@andrewsilverstein6186]

Thank you

[@jonpena435]

Banned in Tennessee school….. imagine banning a book like this. A 10 to 0 vote censorship in America.

[@shejean]

Heard about that this morning. How imbecilic. What do they believe they’re ‘saving’ their middle school students from? I believe the students need saving from their politicians and school committee members. 🤬 And really, really bad timing. Last night began Holocaust Remembrance Day. I lit a Yahrzeit candle in remembrance.

[@safe-keeper1042]

Right before Holocaust Remembrance Day. A coincidence, surely.

[@safe-keeper1042]

@@shejean I hope it at least encourages students to read it who otherwise wouldn't have.

[@vivalarazausarmyvet4453]

Yep but conservatives love their cancel culture.

[@jackmack8287]

They beat their students with a wooden paddle in this district in 2022 . That's the sort of place it is .

[@MFPhoto1]

When Maus first came out, I thought it sounded a bit trivializing the Holocaust, so I did not bother with it. I haven't really thought of it again until now. I now think I should really get a copy.

[@MrElliotc02]

It is a very great work of art...with all that implies

[@kikijewell2967]

Wow, his dad's voice is exactly like his dad's in the comic.

[@kikijewell2967]

I was trying to poetically say he really captured the way his father spoke so well I could hear it clearly (Said to any men who feel the need to explain the obvious to me.)

[@J-Wolf17FTW]

I believe an eleven part animated mini series based on Maus would be an awesome idea. Especilly if it is hand drawn and mimic the style of the book as well as animated like an old cartoon. It would also be one chapter per episode to give the series a bit of structure and keep it very one to one with the book.

[@jamsguitars24]

Art Spiegelman is a National Treasure. Maus is an incredible literary achievement and a brilliantly written story of what a real life anti-utopia looks and feels like.

[@craigwilliams7987]

Buying Maus now.

[@tommyt1971]

“I’ve had nightmares about mice ever since!” The story hit the right note: art and literature are not about making people feel good all the time. “Art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.” - Cesar Cruz

[@AllieSheffield]

I never thought reading a book can be so controversial, so sad!!!

[@davidcurtis7547]

Such a great tribute Art payed to Charles Schultz in The New Yorker Feb.14 2000 . A critique and a great tribute

[@artheemisia]

At one time, c. 1992, Maus I and II were the most stolen books in Montreal’s public libraries

[@Cchhuucckk]

I'm reading this book right now it and it's great.

[@byronmilla9865]

Amazing how history repeats it's self!!! Very similar to the way many people behave and think about emigrants in the Continent of America now days !!!

[@XAVIERCUERVO]

i got second hand smoke for sure watching this video

[@HarryNicNicholas]

came for the book banning, stayed cos i got my copies in the 80's.

[@uniquetheunique]

My classmate gave me the season 2 or 3 one. I love the comic book he borrowed me!

[@rootfish2671]

"What camp was your mom in?" Holy shit...

[@dreamersdisease2481]

I just bought the two books today

[@jin_cotl]

He definitely took his time :)

[@ernestogonzalez7800]

Resulta casi increíble como el puto mercado aspira a torcerlo todo, a incapacitar y amputar el sentimiento, el objetivo y la significación detrás de la creación. No se trata de no poder vivir a partir del éxito de la obra (a fin de cuentas de algo se ha de vivir materialmente) se trata de no poder vivir más allá de la obra en términos tanto creativos como existenciales.

[@deevalerie5857]

I think the best answer to Tennessee Republican Taliban banning this book, is to promote the *audiobook & this video* all over social media. We can use each book-banning as an opportunity to help more young people learn about excellent, important books being "cancelled" by hypocritical wannabe Fascists.

[@Dobviews]

This^^^ 💯💯💯💯

[@safe-keeper1042]

Indeed. Let it backfire big time.

[@sandal_thong8631]

We need a better anti-totalitarianism book than _1984._ Maybe for the South Africa or Poland struggles.

[@tommyt1971]

I wouldn’t want to see the book made into a movie - I’d rather let the story and images flow thru my head and the voices of the characters voice do the same. BUT if Spiegelman agreed that the story could expand the audience, ESPECIALLY younger people and if that effort makes readers of different ages more aware of a story about the depths of human cruelty vis/vis the Holocaust, then I’m for it I think. Younger generations - of a minimum age of course! - need to know about this type of history so it won’t be repeated. The problem is that humanity has NOT learned that lesson and it has been repeated. The Project 2025 movement in the USA is an example of it: it’s an entirely Xtian fascist agenda to designed to pervasively seize control of our democratic govt and impose harsh restrictions on anyone opposed to the architects of this “plan”.

[@5cloudwalker]

This comes from the same people that banned Harry Potter from the school library because it contained evil spirits lol 😂 I think there needs to be new blood in the school and they should think twice about banning books although it has led to people reading it lol

[@sandal_thong8631]

Gotta vote for school board so you don't get segregationists on it like in my county after the 2009 election, or private-school owners in NYC who defunded their public schools and sold the building to their organization, or these anti-Holocaust studies book-banners.

[@B501M]

this is so totally weird/strange... when i was a kid, i had this game called, "Rat-a-Tat Cat". It was basically a version of Poker, but for kids. totally weird, though, because the higher numbered cards (which you didn't want in your possession) had pics of mice/rats on them, and the lower numbered cards (which you wanted, cause you wanted as low a score as possible) had cats on them... subliminal messaging can be dangerous :( :( :(

[@cranstonsnord3625]

I hope he quit smoking.

[@gryffindor8896]

Only 2 comments, I just subbed!

[@byronmilla9865]

And very similar to the way Jews behave now days those people around them !!! Very sad they are becoming what almost exterminated them !!! How sad !!!

[@russkydrussky8850]

Learning history from a Jewish comic book. That's how stupid the world has become.

[@officialxverzusz]

Seethe

[@Fandomsaddict]

It's not stupid