In a world where tensions between Muslims and the West seem to dominate the headlines daily, Wham! Bam! Islam! is the kind of film that just might help to create the kind of atmosphere that would encourage greater understanding between the different cultures. Not only does it illustrate how Western popular cultural tropes might not be all that alien to other cultures, but it also demonstrates that central values—tolerance, compassion, understanding—are common to all true believers in all religions. As one of the Bahraini investors in the company's recapitalization points out, it is hard to beat an investment that will bring in a profit and do some social good at the same time.
The story of The 99's initial successes, near catastrophes, and eventual rebirth makes for fascinating viewing. Reactions from the comic's readers vary from eager children thrilled with the characters to college students debating the comic's orthodoxy, from the Saudis' unwillingness to license the book for the kingdom to a break dancer's rant about stultifying traditions. Through it all the dominating figure is the man with a vision, a man unwilling to give up on his goal even when things seem to be falling apart around him. Naif Al-Mutawa may not be a superhero, but as far as this documentary goes, he is hero enough.
Article comments
1 - JDsg
It's not censorship - or even self-censorship. It's sensitivity and that's a good thing.
2 - Dr Dreadful
Well, it depends. Sensitivity is inappropriate in some situations, for example if someone is trying to rape you and a judiciously-placed knee in the goolies or thumb in the eyeball would be a more effective approach.
In media, it depends what you're trying to say and who you're trying to say it to. Bill O'Reilly, Michael Moore and The Onion, for instance, haven't built their success on being touchy-feely.
But I get the point that in this instance, the cartoonist is not trying to say that God is overrated and that Muslims need to get over their bad selves.
3 - Howard
Nice article... the director guy Isaac Solotaroff, jsut put up a blog on his Wham Bam Islam site if you guys are interested in more.
4 - Liz Alexander
I'm watching the film now. It's great!!