"Get Your War On" by David Rees is a brilliant and hilarious book that offers a scathing critique of the United States' response to 9/11 and the subsequent War on Terror. Originally published online as a collection of comic strips, the book features clip-art style characters engaging in witty and absurd conversations about the political landscape of the time.
Rees' clever use of simple clip-art images and dialogue effectively exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of political discourse during the Bush administration's handling of the war. He skillfully highlights the contradictions and double standards in the arguments made to justify military action, revealing the shallow and often nonsensical reasoning behind it all. Additionally, Rees sheds light on the sensationalism and fear-mongering perpetuated by the media during this time, critiquing their role in shaping the war narrative.
Moreover, "Get Your War On" captures the anxieties and frustrations felt by everyday Americans during the post-9/11 era. Through his characters' conversations, Rees showcases the confusion and disillusionment towards the government's handling of the situation, as well as the growing skepticism towards the effectiveness of the War on Terror. By giving a voice to those who felt marginalized or silenced by the prevailing narrative, Rees sparks critical examination and reflection on the decisions made in the name of national security.
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Overall, this book serves as a reminder of the power of satire in exposing the absurdity and contradictions of the political landscape. It combines humor and wit with thought-provoking insights, offering a space for reflection and a deep examination of the decisions made in response to 9/11. "Get Your War On" brilliantly navigates the delicate balance between comedy and critique, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the post-9/11 era.
"Get Your War On" is a satirical book by David Rees that combines cartoons and commentary to portray the absurdities and contradictions surrounding the Iraq War. The book has received mixed reviews from readers, who have varying opinions on its humor, political commentary, and overall impact.
Many readers appreciated the dark humor and biting satire found in the book. They found Rees' cartoons to be witty and clever, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on the political climate of the time. These readers commended Rees for effectively highlighting the absurdity of war and the contradictions within political discourse, managing to make them both laugh and think.
However, some readers felt that the humor in the book fell short or was too focused on a specific time period, limiting its relevance and appeal. They perceived the satirical commentary as too one-sided or heavy-handed, which diluted the effectiveness of the humor. These readers believed that the book lacked depth and could have delved into the complexities of the issues surrounding the war in a more nuanced manner.
The format of the book was another point of contention among reviewers. Some readers appreciated the use of cartoons to convey political commentary, finding it a refreshing and engaging approach. They mentioned that the visuals added an extra layer of meaning and made the book more accessible to a wider audience. However, there were also readers who struggled to connect with the cartoon format, feeling that it detracted from the depth and nuance that could have been achieved through traditional prose.
In conclusion, "Get Your War On" by David Rees evokes a range of reactions from readers due to its satirical portrayal of the Iraq War through cartoons and commentary. While many readers enjoyed the humor and thought-provoking nature of the book, others found it lacking in depth or relevance. Ultimately, readers' enjoyment of the book may depend on their personal taste in satire and their familiarity with the political context in which it was published.
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