07/03/2010
Kuang Biao’s cartoon made me smile. The caption translates as, ‘Take off your clothes. Now its your turn.’ This is making reference to the policy of netizens in China having to register using their real names, yet a total lack of transparency in government. The guy in the big coat with girls and cash stashed under it is supposed to be a government official.
For more on ‘running naked‘ on-line see the Global Voices feature on Zhang Lifan and his article, ‘Confessions of a naked internet runner.’ The Kafka-esque situation of ’sensitive terms’ that are effectively banned on-line but not publicly acknowledged cannot help but evoke a dark political satire of authoritarianism. Maybe this is why some of the best political cartoonists have come from totalitarian regimes.
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social activism | Tagged: cartoon, censorship, China, internet | 
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Posted by buddhasbreakfast
04/11/2009
I love comics, graphic novels and animation so am well happy that Ctrl.Alt.Shift have recognised their potential in social activism. I posted recently that they were running a competition in collaboration with Lightspeed Champion, well now you can check out their exhibition at the Lazarides Gallery on Greek Street in Soho, London. I am just a little bit sad I will not be able to catch it, but take comfort in that I get to look at the Himalayas everyday!
It runs from 6-30 November and includes both historical political comic art (including the dubious ‘Heroes Against Hunger‘ with Superman and Batman visiting Ethiopia during the 1986 famine!!) and specially commissioned work. In addition, they are launching their ‘Ctrl.Alt.Shift Unmasks Corruption‘ comic book, and anthologoy examining state corruption and its impact on peoples’ lives.
Comic-book of corruption, covering everything from state-sponsored brutality in Colombia to the ravaging of Congo's natural resources.
For more check out this feature in The Guardian (UK).
1 Comment | Multi-media, social activism | Tagged: art, cartoon, comic, corruption, exhibition, graphic novel | Permalink
Posted by buddhasbreakfast
24/09/2009
New animation for Greenpeace by Stephen Appleby on sustainable fishing is light hearted but with a serious message. Also has new YouTube link annotations in it leading you to take action. Nice. Now, just need to persuade South Park creators to collaborate with Save the Children…
Leave a Comment » | Campaigning | Tagged: animation, cartoon, Greepeace | Permalink
Posted by buddhasbreakfast
15/09/2009
Human rights activists don’t use humour and cartoons half as much as they should. May be the seriousness of the subject matter makes the use of such tools seem inappropriate? What ever the reason these can be great ways to mock a regime’s acts of oppression. Enter ‘Green Dam Girl‘!
This example focusses on the so-called ‘Green Dam Youth Escourt‘ content control software initiative by the Chinese government. Publicised in some media as yet another internet censorship tool, the story appears not so clear cut. But for our purposes that is beside the point. The cartoon uses language and image to take the piss out of the whole affair. What ever the truth ‘Green Dam Girl‘ uses popular culture and humour to make what could be a rather dry and technical issue more accessible.
For more info check out DigiActive and the OpenNet Initiative.
Leave a Comment » | Campaigning | Tagged: cartoon, humour, satire | Permalink
Posted by buddhasbreakfast
17/07/2009
Azaaz organized several intiatives around the G8 meeting last week aimed at robust targets to tackle climate change. One of interest was hooking into Japanese PM Taro Aso’s love of manga by placing a full page add in his favourite comic book.
Full page ad aimed at Japan's PM in his favourite comic book
Although over the last couple of years I have come across a small number of good campaigns using illustrations / cartoons, they are few and far between. An underused format? If you know of good examples please send my way.
Leave a Comment » | Campaigning | Tagged: advocacy, Avaaz, cartoon, climate change, Japan | Permalink
Posted by buddhasbreakfast
