Counterintuitive Spring 2024

When I look at this graphic I don’t really see much connections besides the graphic being Charlie Brown, which has the same name as Charlie Hebdo. However I do see that in the graphic Charlie Brown is is frowning which can be used to express the artists anger and sadness towards the attacks in Paris.

At first I could only see the connection of Charlie Brown and Charlie Hebdo having the same first name. After I actually looked at the image however I do notice that Charlie Brown isn’t the young, cheerful and carefree character that I grew up watching, instead he looks older, meaner and as if he hates the world and everything in it. This depiction of Charlie Brown shows a Charlie Brown that has grown up and experienced some hard times in his life and has realized that life isn’t all happy and perfect as it was when he was a child. Now he sees that life when you get older is full of hardships and that the world we live in is full of chaos and tragedy.

The artist used this version to express that the world we live in can even change a universal symbol of happiness and innocence such as Charlie Brown into someone filled with anger and resentment. The artist also used the graphic to express his own feelings of anger towards the recent events in Paris. The artist obviously has some feeling of anger towards the recent shootings at the Charlie Hebdo headquarters and is expressing that through this image.

Now the designer and instructor who had the image placed with the saying Je Suis Charlie had different intentions. They were intending to express that we as people have the freedom of speech and freedom of expression. The saying is used to say that the people at Charlie Hebdo where just exercising their right, even though some people might have found them to be offensive.

1. The movement of Je Suis Charlie gives hope to the ongoing fight for the rights to free speech.  2. The graphic of Je Suis Charlie is a symbol for free speech under the realization that it is not a new fight.  3. People have been fighting for the right to free speech for a long time but the fight has gotten tiresome and people have died in the name of free speech.  4. In the picture, Charlie is tired and sad because of the deaths surrounding the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack in Paris. 5. I am angry and defensive when terrorists attack innocent people no matter where they are.  6. It’s the lack of justice from the situation that really provokes a reaction.  7. The targets of the attack were cartoonists, regular people going to work at a satirical magazine.  8. What made them specific targets was their cartoons of the prophet Mohammad, and despite their right to free speech, they were murdered.  9. In response to the attack, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets and demonstrated unity. 10.  That unity was a call for people to stand up for the rights of free speech.  11. The cartoonist who drew this graphic, the designer, and the instructor who display the graphic so prominently all have the same goal, to spark conversation.  12. That conversation between people who are confused by the graphic.  13. The person depicted clearly looks like Charlie Brown, however there are distinct features that set him apart.  14. By making the graphic seems as though the Charlie Brown depicted is different such as his sad, older, and heavier appearance, they make people question what the graphic means.  15. As they question what it means they become involved in the topic of free speech.  16. This graphic highlights the events in the fight for free speech by making viewers question and research what the graphic means.

The Charlie Hebdo attack is a clear example of how some individuals choose to harm others in order to protect a concept or belief that, in some way, is being disrespected, according to these individuals. We form negative stereotypes by threatening people who are not in agreement with our ideals, which prove our ignorance because whoever practices our beliefs will be affected. Groups like the Muslim, for example, are linked to the concept of being terrorist by the horrible actions of few individuals of their religion; however, not all Muslims are terrorist, yet the victims of the counter-progressive acts from some of their own members. In other words, those groups who are threatened or harmed by a few Muslims will stereotype all Muslims as terrorists.

I have a different reaction towards the image in the class blog subsequent to my research in the Charlie Hebdo massacre; I have the right to say what I believe, and even if I have hard times with others opinions, I should never stop believing in the right of expression. Of course there are impediments, countries with the idealism of communism, for instance, or under a dictatorship might punish any individual, or group, with concepts of opposition, with imprisonment or slaughter. Additionally, the right of speech is not protected everywhere, which facilitates institutions, with no respect for the ideas of others, to fire employees. Nonetheless, no one has the right to stop the spreading of what is thought as right, even if it isn’t. Indeed, my reaction is not directed to a specific group, political or religious, but to anyone how is willing to violate the freedom of expression.

The cartoonist who came up with the image of Charlie Brown with a facial expression full of anger and sadness intended, I assume, to leave the message that hard times are being experienced, but we shouldn’t give up like Charlie Brown who “is the lovable loser in the zig-zag t-shirt─ the kid who never gives up (even though he almost never wins).” That is why, I can interpret the decision from the designer of combining the phrase “Je Suis Charlie[I am Charlie]” with the image of Charlie Brown as a way of sending the message of not giving up; moreover, the designer also intended to tell the world that everyone who believe in the freedom of speech, with the phrase “ Je Suis Charlie,” is part of the Charlie Hebdo massacre because the citizens who were murdered were not the only victims, but the right of expression of the personnel and everyone who believe in freedom of speech. As a result, the slaughter conducted by the brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi has left an opposite effect in their attend to stop the word of the magazine because anyone who feels related to the massacre is united to avoid the violation of freedom of speech.

Therefore, the instructor, to remind the class that not everyone happy will be with our ideas, used the Charlie Brown’s image along with the phrase “Je Suis Charlie” as the header of the class blog because the right to write what we think can not be taken away from us.

Work Cited

“Charlie Brown « Peanuts.” Peanuts. N.p, 2014. Web. 25 Jan. 2015. <http://www.peanuts.com/characters/charlie-brown/#.VMRIrnDF8Yc>.

Upon first seeing the picture of a downtrodden Charlie Brown looking more bewildered than usual, My initial reaction told me he was finally, completely and utterly fed up and done with society and its dramatic inconsistencies. My reaction has not changed, but it has been reinforced after reading the title associated with the picture and reading the current events it quietly represents.

The picture seems to, in its own way, promote a classic household rule among siblings. Actually, it supports the reasoning behind a reaction to an event among siblings that is only used by one who seeks to avoid further confrontation. When I was younger, We had a rule that if one sibling hit another, the one who had been given the attack had exclusive rights to return the favor. After a while, I learned that reacting in my free gift of revenge and hitting back, I would only make matters worse. So, I stopped using my exclusive right to punch back. After receiving the hit from the sibling I would sit there quietly as if nothing had happened. I was now faced with a new problem, I could not express my obviously divinely inspired perfect understanding of the issue’s solution that had caused the problem in the first place. Firing back verbally to the assault would create nearly the same issue as hitting back. Eventually I developed the ability to not react or respond, but only sit there looking completely defeated, which gave me an edge when the adults came to fix the confrontation. My opinion on all the current events and protests resembles my opinion of siblings arguing. In the case of Charlie Hebdo, as blunt and brutal as it is, from my understanding of the situation, it was something he nearly asked for. I have heard it said, that those who live by the sword will also die by the sword. In today’s apparently very artistic society, many will say that the pen is a sword in its own way. The Charlie Hebdo issue was a result of one party swinging a sword and taunting another one, expecting no retaliation to come of the “what are you going to do about it?” Type of message being flaunted. The sword was swung, and met by a mace that intended on silences the message of the sword that offended it. The picture of the solemn and downtrodden Charlie Brown, depicts the further actions of the more mature fighting sibling. Meanwhile the message,”I Am Charlie” says something completely different from the image it seems to be trying to support. The text almost screams “protest, complain, rant”. All I can think of when reading the text and recalling those who walk the streets and chant them, is how fleeting the issue is in the minds of those pushing its reformation. Protests come and go throughout history, bad things happen, tragic things, yet the world continues on in the end as if nothing has happened. The soul and motivating efforts seen in the protestors and sympathizers, just forces me to remember just how quick they will forget, and move on. The text and the image clash, by my interpretation. The image is the solemn yet conflict reducing reaction an attacked sibling should have to end an issue quickly and live life. The text says the sibling should be feeling deprived of divinely granted rights and screaming out into the crowd that it has been wronged.

The cartoonist intended to subtly push an agenda pre-plotted and emotionally driven. The designer is the current events themselves that surrounded the cartoonists mind as he drew. The instructors intent could be arousal, debate and argument. The only reason to place political issues in front of already hormonally impatient and shallow college groups is to promote the life blood of argument. An individual, given time can think much more rationally than a group of individuals. My reaction is spurred on by a frustration with people as groups who do not truly think for themselves, and only put forth effort when they want to feel included in something society sees as important and worth their precious and fleeting time on this earth. I come from a Christian home full of people who constantly push knowing information for yourself and understanding it for yourself, not just taking it and holding it because the rest of the trusted group is doing so.
My reaction is not defensive, only frustrated for some reason. Because of the meaninglessness of all the efforts of all the parties involved in the events eluded to.

(typed on Pages the app, on an iPhone. In the middle of nowhere…stranded….that’s dedication.

REWRITE:

Charlie Brown has a few facial expressions he uses on a regular basis. Whenever Brown is called a “blockhead”, he develops a sort of frown. The frown seems to be one of a self controlled anger that is purposely suppressed. Absorbing the jabbing infarctions one by one over the course of his cartoon life could lead to a change in countenance.   Just like the chronological pictures of Abraham Lincoln changing facially over time. I also thought of the quirky and cliche emotional baggage Charlie Brown must also have carried into his un-documented years of adulthood. My original interoperation of the image was bewilderment. Knowing that the image was created as a commemoration of the creator of Charlie Brown adds to the recipe, a new angle. In light of the Charlie Hebdo event, to see “I am Charlie” next to the image, clearly this is a commemoration of the artist who was by taunt and jab, almost inevitably silenced. (Much shorter and less bloated than the original) 

Je Suis Sallcomp2

The sad face of Charlie Brown, who usually is very playful, with a great holiday spirit, shows the gravity of the attack on Charlie Hebdo. [That’s fine. Now, for readers who don’t know what you were assigned to write about, how will they know you’re referring to the cartoon in the header of this blog?] After the death of those 12 Parisians, [Again, fine, but will readers today remember that the 12 Parisians were cartoonists who drew Muhammad in obscene poses?] we saw very sad moments of the victims’ families crying; the entire world felt sympathy for the French. The phrase “I Am Charlie” is an expression of that solidarity.

The horrible murder of cartoonists at Charlie Hebdo was a reply to a funny drawing of the Prophet Mohamed (PSL) that offended the Muslim community. The attack changed something that is meant to be funny into a setback and terror. [Maybe these two sentences could be your first sentences, to quickly provide the background needed for your introduction. You’ll still have to explain the blog header though.] The parody became a weapon. The fact that it happened in the center of Paris, raises multiple questions on the security of the citizens. Does this attack mean security will be reinforced in the city or [it only exposes] [will it only expose] the weakness of the Parisian security? But out of all the questions, the most important one was how will Paris respond to this attack? The Parisians answered that question quick[ly] and clearly with their big mobilization in the center of the city. It shows that they are not scared to express their feelings, and count on [staying same] [doing so] even if they have [to] reinforce [the] security measures. This act of courage is represented in the heading of the blog; it only takes a little bit of thinking to see it.

It was the orange bold phrase “Je Suis Charlie[.]” The orange brings out a lot of energy, warmth and happiness because it is made with red and yellow. As basic Color-Psychology says, “[T]he color orange offers emotional strength in difficult times. It helps us to bounce back from disappointments and despair, assisting in recovery from grief.” This happened when all the French and the many people in other countries united to do the “Je Suis Charlie” walk in France. When people who are not French, cartoonists[,] nor satirists unite, it shows hope and strength after a terrible event. Perseverance and moral support was also featured in the movement.

Youth Reckless Driving Prevention

• This ad begins by going from a black screen to four teenagers in a car being viewed from the front.
• Three of the four ‘teenagers’ actually appear to be in their teens, while the fourth is being portrayed by actor Rob Riggle who greets the others with a casual: “What’s up”
• The other kid in the backseat introduces Rob as ‘his friend from Michigan’
• The two kids in the front seat don’t really acknowledge him.
• The driver pulls away, looking focused, while the passengers stare out the windows looking relaxed.
• A few seconds pass in silence and then Rob notices how the driver seems to be picking up speed at an alarming rate. Riggle leans forward and suggests that he slow down.
• The driver, while still remaining very focused on the road, responds only with an aggressive: “No.”
• Riggle leans back with a very surprised look and proceeds to take out a video camera and start recording. He’s almost in disbelief.
• The driver’s stone-faced expression softens and he appears to concerned and possibly even worried.
• The driver quickly asks what Riggle is doing to which he replies: “Shooting a viral video!” He goes on the suggest that it’s the last five minutes the teens are going to have on Earth.
• You can start to notice increasingly worried looks on the other two passengers’ eyes but they continue to sit in silence.
• Riggle also suggests that the other teens apologize to their mothers hinting that they’re all going to get into a fatal car accident.
• The ad comes to a close with the car driving out of frame before the screens fades to black.

It was not until my professor said he was drawn to be in his forties that I thought it was possible for this to also be an older version on Charlie. He seems like a Charlie Brown that faced a harsh reality rather than an easy cartoon life. Perhaps the most immediate difference I realized was his protruding gut. Charlie’s protruding gut symbolizes gluttony or over indulgence. His shoe laces are sloppy and laying on the ground and that to me indicates disorder and carelessness. With that said, perhaps the best way to describe my initial reaction is disbelief that something that once seemed so innocent is now slandered and demented.

The Charlie Hebdo massacre is an example of how people can be inhumane and cruel to others. This kind of slanderous behavior toward a target group of people (muslims in this case) corals hatred. When we watched Charlie Brown as kids, he was a lovable harmless child. I am shocked to see Charlie in such a wretched and repulsive form. If this is indeed the Charlie Brown of reality, I’m shocked in the same way to see the reality of how poor people can relate or communicate with each other because of differences be it religion, race, gender etc. When there is a lack of communication it creates misunderstanding and chaos.

Appropriately, I believe the artist intended to create an image for the company. With that being said I feel as though it is a negative image. Perhaps the artist does not agree with the way the company portrayed the Islamic community. He views the company as spreading hatred and cruelty toward others in hopes that it will result in them indulging in profit. In this specific case, the hatred spewed by the company affected not only the companies’ target (Muslims/Islam) but it backfired and harmed them as well.  This company indulged in hatred perhaps because it was getting them good ratings and money but in the end it hurt them.Similarly, the graphic shows an overindulged Charlie Brown that seems to have lived a life of regret. I believe the combination of the graphic and text was created to say the graphic is a reflection on the company.

Our instructor is challenging us to think critically. It would be hard to think of connections between a funny looking Charlie Brown and terrorism. I believe that our instructor is trying to gauge how deeply we can think and make something from nothing.

My reaction is not based on any religious connections. It’s based on knowing the feeling of being an outsider. Therefore my point of view can be seen as defensive because I used to be Muslim. Therefore I witnessed and experienced firsthand the discriminatory behavior of this countries culture toward that of Islam’s. I am no longer religious but I have a basic code of conduct for how to treat people and live life. My code says that everyone deserves respect until proven otherwise.

How I reacted to the image of this troubled, darker, and noticeably cynical looking depiction of Charlie Brown was mostly confusion. What did Charlie Brown have to do with this whole “Je Suis Charlie” movement other than his name being Charlie? During my walk back to my dorm from class I thought this and let the ideas bounce around in my head until I came to my own conclusion or theory. Just like how Charlie Hebdo is a magazine that features cartoons, Charlie Brown (Peanuts to be specific) is a cartoon featured in newspapers and magazines. In Peanuts cartoons, Charlie Brown and friends often talk about current events, life, and philosophy, through a child’s perspective. Charlie Hebdo would do the same with their cartoons. Sometimes with a child’s perspective or not it all depends on the situation or topic they are talking about.

With the recent terrorist attack on the Charlie Hebdo building it leads people to think things such as:

“Wow, they really bombed a magazine publisher. For a cartoon. You know…something that is just meant for a little chuckle and to be slightly thought provoking. So what, are cartoons not safe anymore?”

Here enters the image of the cynical and troubled Charlie Brown accompanied by the phrase “Je Suis Charlie” in the header. If we could look through it from the drawing’s perspective so to speak. It is more saddened by the fact that freedom of speech can easily be taken away from somebody if it does not agree with their ideas. This Charlie looks to not feel safe and has a more “Am I next?” kind of disposition. I feel like this theory is, in a way, supported by the je suis Charlie (I am Charlie) text.

I wouldn’t say that I am offended by this image. In the spirit of Charlie Hebdo cartoons, the artist did the same thing they do. Made a cartoon and added text. The image was meant to get a little laugh from the viewer, and to also get them to think and look deeper into its hidden message. The artist got what they wanted. Because here we are discussing the image. We’re talking about it. We’re looking for deeper meaning in it. With that, I feel that also justifies the Je Suis/I Am Charlie text.

We all have freedom of speech. It’s our right as American citizens. Nobody can take that away from us. However, just because you have freedom of speech that does not automatically protect you from the consequences. Yes, by all means, you are allowed to spew racial slurs. It’s a disgusting and horrible thing to do, but it is your freedom of speech. Thing is, just because it is your freedom of speech, that’s not going to stop people who were offended by what you said or wrote from kicking your ass to put it bluntly.

In comes the terrorist attack. These terrorists/extremists have had history of people creating and using images of their prophet Muhammad. It happened with animated cartoon series, South Park. In one episode they decided to make Muhammad a super hero apart of Jesus’ “League of Religious Super Friends”. Of course the creators of South Park did not mean to offend anyone with this, because they new they would be skating on thin ice. Yet, it still offended the group of terrorists, next thing you know Comedy Central and its parent networks are receiving terrorist threats. To rectify this, while still attempting to keep freedom of speech intact, they censored the Muhammad character.

Now I am not saying that Charlie Hebdo deserved what happened to them. They absolutely did not. It’s just an unfortunate circumstance that occurred because a group of extremists overreacted to an image, and their first response was to cause harm to a group of people. Do I care about what happened? Yes. It affects me, it affects you, it affects everybody with this right of freedom of speech. All I am saying is, do not play with fire. Stop and think ahead and ask yourself before you say or write something: “Is it really worth possibly being harmed over my work?”