TOW #17: Visual - Cartoon in Response to Charlie Hebdo Attack (by Joep Betrams)

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On January 7, 2015, Joep Betrams, a famous cartoonist, shared the cartoon, seen above, on Twitter in response to the terrorist attack on the satirical journal, Charlie Hebdo. As terrorists barged and forced their way into the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo in Pairs, cartoonists were killed and the world was outraged. Attacking due to the controversial political and religious cartoons released by the newspaper, Islamic terrorists attempted to silence the cartoonists and reporters of Charlie Hebdo by brute force. Yet, the response to the attack shows that the killing of writers did not silence them, but caused an outbreak in the freedom of press and the freedom of speech. The cartoon by Joep Betrams, one of many released, shows the spirit of journalism and the press and the ineffective attempt to silence the world.

The true fighting spirit of the press and journalism is seen by the cartoon. Despite the Islamic terrorist killing the man, who is wearing a shirt labeled Charlie Hebdo, the man is not dead. Though a head is missing from his body, the tongue continues to taunt the shocked terrorist. The connection between the blood dripping off the terrorist's sword and the headless body allows one to understand that this depiction coorelates with the killing of satirists, writers, and cartoonists of Charlie Hebdo. Even though the man is missing a head, the tongue is still active. This taunting tongue symbolizes the freedom of speech and press. Charlie Hebdo will not stop utilizing the freedoms of speech and press that it has. On a bigger scale, this cartoon represents the spirit of the press and journalism by showing that it is impossible to stop, silence, and prevent the world from being stripped of its freedoms. No matter what terrorists do, this cartoon shows that all attempts are futile and that journalists, the press, and the world will respond with the unstoppable, unbeatable power of words.

The tongue taunting the man not only depicts the fighting spirit of the press and journalism, but also sends a message to terrorists and potential attackers of Charlie Hebdo and any other news source. In the picture, the terrorist shows an expression of shock and disbelief that the man, who lacks a head, is still able to use his tongue. Though attackers attempt to strike fear into the hearts of the people to stop further unwanted action, this cartoon shows the unifying effect that the killing caused. Charlie Hebdo is being supported by cartoonists, like Joep Betrams, and many other people around the world. This cartoon shows that even though the terrorists may believe that they were successful for killing men and women, they were unsuccessful and the attack was ineffective for instead of silencing the world, they only stirred up more conversations about the importance of freedom.

The cartoon, made by Joep Betrams in response to the terrorist attack, shows the true, fighting spirit of the press and journalism and relays a message to terrorists that their attack was unsuccessful. The attack on Charlie Hebdo reflects the power words hold. In a time of chaos, murders, and destruction, guns are not the only weapons people can use. Words have the capability of implementing harm and damage. It is the job of the people to protect the rights to the freedom of the expression, freedom of speech, and the freedom of the press. A silent world that has been struck with fear will not grow. A world bustling with ideas and uninhibited speech is crucial to developing a better world. The cartoon provides courage to the people and relays a message of perseverance and resistance that the people will not fall to fear, but will, all the more, speak.