Graphic Novels
While reading I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib, I was struck by how the graphic novel functions not just as a storytelling device, but as a kind of technology in itself: one that blends words and visuals to communicate identity, culture, and personal history in a deeply engaging way. Gharib’s use of hand-drawn illustrations, playful diagrams, and handwritten fonts creates a personal, almost zine-like aesthetic that mirrors the DIY ethos of expressing complex emotions and experiences outside traditional literary forms.
As the daughter of a Filipino mother and an Egyptian father, Gharib’s experience growing up in America is full of contradictions, negotiations, and small moments of clarity. The uniquely colorful visual format, with its limited color palette of oranges and blues, allows her to capture this nuance—tiny shifts in facial expression, symbolic imagery, or the layout of a page do just as much storytelling as her words. This layering of meaning is where the 'technology' of the graphic novel really shines, as the book then becomes a tool for combining culture, memory, and identity all at once.
Beyond the form itself, Gharib also explores other kinds of technology, such as cultural technologies like assimilation, code-switching, and representation. Her story captures what it means to grow up between cultures, often feeling like she’s performing different identities depending on the context. I find it very relatable too, as someone who has Indian parents, was born and raised in the Middle East, went to British schools their entire life, and moved to the US by myself at 18. Much like Malaka, I too have been privileged enough to be exposed to such a diverse range of cultures and religions, which have greatly broadened my perspective, understanding, and adoration of the world. Malaka's story is even more layered as a result of her mixed heritage and her vastly different families. In that sense, the graphic novel doesn't just tell us about hybridity and belonging—it shows it, through both content and form. It is a medium uniquely suited to express the messy, beautiful complexity of a life lived across cultures.
I really liked your analysis of I Was Their American Dream and how you described the graphic novel as a kind of technology. That idea stood out to me because I never really thought of books in that way before, especially graphic novels. Your point about the visuals working together with the words to show identity and emotion made a lot of sense. I also appreciated how you talked about code-switching and growing up between cultures. As someone who also comes from an immigrant family, I can relate to that feeling of having to act differently depending on who I’m around. It’s not always easy, but like you said, it also gives us a wider view of the world. I agree that the mix of drawings, colors, and personal touches in the book really helps tell Malaka’s story in a deep and honest way. Great job! - Ashley Fuentes
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your analysis of "I Was Their American Dream"! I like how you related your own personal experiences to the situations happening in the graphic novel. Relating your own story to that of Malaka's creates a personal connection that I really appreciated while reading your analysis. I think that you did a great job describing the novel as a piece of technology by using visuals, but I also think that you make a great point in saying that the graphic novel uses technology to explore culture! That is a connection that I would not have thought to make, so great job! - Emma Tyler
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