The pen is funnier than the sword, says Algerian-American cartoonist

2006-11-24

For Algerian-American Khalil Bendib, humour is the best way to create a cultural dialogue. Through his cartoons, Bendib hopes to further people's understanding of Muslims, Arabs and North Africans.

[File] Khalil Bendib uses humour to deal with misconceptions people have of Muslims.

Ever since he was a child in the Maghreb, Khalil Bendib has used drawings to express himself. Growing up in Algeria, he drew cartoons about local political movements. In the United States, he draws about issues he believes are not being fairly covered in the mainstream media, and says he hopes his cartoons can create a cultural dialogue.

Maghrebia: How did growing up in Algeria affect your desire to become a cartoonist?

Khalil Bendib: I was born in Algeria during the war of independence. My first drawings were of Algerians saluting Algerian flags. In Rabat, when I was three years old, before I returned to Algeria at six, I remember seeing children painting in the classroom, and I asked my parents if I could join them. I convinced my parents to enroll me in school when I was three. Because of that, I've always been two years younger than all of my classmates.

To be a political cartoonist, you have to love drawing, politics and humour. I grew up watching Hollywood comedies, which France imported to Algeria. Through France, we got to see a lot of American comedies in Algeria.

Maghrebia: What challenges did you face early in your career? Can you tell us the story of your first cartoon being published in Algeria?

Bendib: I published my first cartoon at 15. A friend knew an editor at the weekly Algerie Actualite. I published under an anonymous signature "Moi". I gave the editor six cartoons, five of which he published. When he saw the sixth one, he said to me, "Do you want to get me shot?"

I was poking fun at a socialist revolution in the 1970s. The state was confiscating land, and trying to convince the public that landowners were spontaneously donating their land. I drew a cartoon of an apartment dweller who doesn't have any land to donate, so he goes to the local authorities to donate his potted plant. That taught me a lesson: if that gets you shot, I don’t want to stay in this country as an artist.

I thought about going to France, but had had unpleasant experiences as a North African there. Then I thought about going to the United States, because that's where all of the modern political cartoonists started.

Maghrebia: The website of your cartoons, www.bendib.com, is called "The pen is funnier than the sword". What's the story behind that?

Bendib: It's my non-violent philosophy. It's important to me as a Muslim, an Arab and a North African to tell our side of the story: we're normal. I choose to take the pen. It's my way of disagreeing.

Maghrebia: You've said your art helps me cope with life. How does that work?

Bendib: It helps me vent my frustration. I love this country. I'm an American citizen. But at the same time, I'm frustrated at the distortions of Muslims and Arabs. Islam is not a religion of violence.

Maghrebia: Even though you're originally from Algeria, your cartoons about Muslims and Arabs tend to focus on Palestinians and Iraqis. Have you thought about returning to drawing about North African issues – or is that area off the radar for most Americans?

Bendib: That's a problem. I'm based in America, and just finding out about what's going on in the Maghreb can be difficult. Even if I did the research, who would read my cartoons?

I don't know if it's possible to get people interested. I do cartoons relevant to my readers.

Maghrebia: Some cartoons, such as the Danish ones last year depicting the Prophet Mohammed as a terrorist, have caused political divisions, while others have given people a better understanding of culture. Where do you think your cartoons fit in and why?

Bendib: I think I'm the latter. I consider myself a lone voice providing a balance to bias in the mainstream media. I try to keep a dialogue going.

Magharebia: What do you predict for the role of cartoonists in society?

Bendib: If it weren't for the Internet, I would be pessimistic. As news companies continue merging, there is less of a variety of opinions. The internet has been an important tool in democracy.

Maghrebia: Where do you see your career going?

Bendib: My career is blossoming. During the Danish cartoon controversy, the BBC and CNN wanted to know my opinion as a "Muslim cartoonist". When there are political conflicts, I have more material. But I'd rather be a less successful cartoonist and live in a more peaceful world.