Skip to main content

The Plot:the Secret Story of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion





Summary: So, how does a lie become perpetuated?  To put it simply: ignorance. This is the story of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which was published in 1905 and was officially proven false in 1921; yet, it's still being promoted and believed to this very day. Promoted and believed because of ignorance.  Will Eisner re-tells the creation of the Protocols, a contrived plot that was meant to discredit the Jewish race while at the same time spread fear. Originally, the published text was engineered by Russia leaders to entice resentment towards the Jews and anyone who would defend them. Unfortunately, this embellished contrivance was used by other anti-Semitic leaders throught world history to further their own personal vendettas, including one Adolph Hitler. What's remarkable is that The Times of London investigated the authenticity of  the Protocols in 1921, exposing it as plagiarized rubbish and completely fabricated. Despite this investigated revelation, a myriad of individuals, including many in the 21st century, still refer to the text to support their anti-Semitic opinions, promoting the Protocols to still be fact. Though the tale of the Protocols has been written about before by others, Eisner decided to do his part in exposing the Protocols' racist origins by illustrating the tale in graphic novel form,hoping to reach readers who normally wouldn't have read the books history.

Reference: Eisner, Will (2005). The Plot: the Secret Story of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. W.W. Norton & Company, Ltd. London.

Why I Picked It Up: It had Will Eisner's name on it.  That was all I needed to entice me to read it.

Why I Finished It:  It was amazing to me the extent that some people will go to in order to spread hatred and jealousy.  Then I top of that the continued belief in a documented lie, because of the same thing. The more I read, the more intriguing the story became, the more dour it became as well.  As a graphic novel, Eisner's illustrations are exquisite, which at times help carry the story, especially since some of the dialogue was nothing more that explained information.  Additionally, there are a number of examples of the Protocols plagiarism, but admittedly I didn't read all them because I had read enough to believe his point. Overall, it's Eisner's storytelling that helps me to understand the Protocols infamous history.

Recommendation: I was completely unaware of the Protocols existence prior to my reading this graphic novel and if it hadn't had been written about in graphic novel form, I most likely would've never heard of it. So, Eisner's hope of using this medium as a way to expose the Protocols to people who wouldn't normally be aware of them proved fruitful. I would recommend reading this book on the living room sofa for anyone who not only abhors racism, but wants to fight it by knowing its history, too.
  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Amazing Fantastic Incredible: a Marvelous Memoir

Summary: Told through comic book format, we learn of the journey of Stanley Lieber, first as an assistant for Timely Comics then later as his current role as the Face of Marvel Comics, a.k.a. "Stan 'the Man' Lee." He is so universally recognized as Marvel comics that his cameos in Marvel's superhero movies are a way for others to pay respects to the man for all of the work he put into the company (especially after the debacle involving DC Comics and Superman creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster).  Throughout much of the history of comic books, Stan Lee has been a constant in the success of Marvel Comics.  We learn of his many roles that he played in the company, as well as the trials and tribulations/ups and downs of the comic book industry. We also get to see how Stan's personality and character helped to create/co-create so many of Marvel's heroes and promoted them. Why I Picked It Up: Having been a reader of Marvel Comics since the early 1970...
Post a Comment
Read more

Module 2: Corduroy

Summary:   Corduroy is a department store teddy bear who searches for a button that he can use on his overalls.  He searches for the button because he thinks that the button will make him complete and attractive to buy.  Earlier a young girl wanted to buy him, but her mother said that they hadn't any more money and besides the bear was missing a button.  Unfortunately, Corduroy is prevented from obtaining a button and finds himself placed back on the toy shelf by the store's overnight security guard.  The next day, Corduroy is excited to see that the girl came back and used her own money to buy Corduroy and was also able to give Corduroy a new button. Reference: Freeman, D. (1976) Corduroy . New York, NY. Puffin Books. Impression: Corduroy is a children's book that touches the heart.  The way Corduroy is drawn by Don Freeman's, with simple yet endearing qualities, helps the reader to remember their own personal teddy bears or favorite stuffed ani...
Post a Comment
Read more

Module 1: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Summary: Mr. Morris Lessmore loves books and enjoys reading his books whenever possible.  But, as the story begins, he and his books are caught up in a wind storm.  He and his books end up scattered all over the town.  Surprisingly, Mr. Morris soon sees a woman flying in the air with the aid of some flying books.  One of the books she is caring is dropped off with Mr. Morris.   The flying book then takes Mr. Morris to a library filled with animated books flying around inside the building.  The books welcome him into the library and invite him to stay and live with them.  Mr. Morris gladly stays for many years, reading the books, sharing the books with the community, and even writing his own book. When he is finished writing his own book, Mr. Morris knows it is time for him to leave and, so, lets his own book fly away.  As it flies away his book finds a young girl who follows Mr. Morris' book to the library of flying books. Reference: J...
Post a Comment
Read more