The following represents a variety of student reactions:
"It was enlightening to see other people’s views of the United States. I enjoyed seeing the wide range of political issues covered. I would like to know what the United States would have to do in order to change foreigner’s opinions about the United States."
"I particularly enjoyed this presentation. In our increasingly globalized world it is extremely important to be aware of the image our country presents to the rest of the world. Likewise, I think it’s a very interesting message; as they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words” and these images clearly spoke for themselves – no explanation necessary."
"The lecture was very rewarding as it showed a powerful way of conveying political ideas and beliefs which might, in fact, reach out to more people due to the visual and sometimes emotional nature of cartoons. The most striking part of the lecture was the presentation of various works of international cartoonists on the image of America, which showed that, in general, the view that the world is currently holding of this country is quite negative. It was interesting to note that the images were very much linked to the culture and politics of the artist’s country or origin and to the way America has, to some extent, positively or negatively, influenced that country. Mr. Szabo’s lecture was an effective reminder of the way images can mobilize [even a] whole nation to support a certain view of a country and the ensuing foreign policy vis-à-vis that country."
Here, Joe Szabo is talking about an Arab comic book featuring Super Mickey (representing the U.S.), a cat (terrorist), and how violence — in the artist/writer's conclusion — is counterproductive.
Szabo's lecture is lavishly illustrated with literal images of the U.S. by some of word's best artists and political cartoonists.
