Joe Sacco · Reservoir Books
Riots dot the history of humanity across the globe and many are cut from the same cloth.. Joe Sacco, the most prestigious photojournalist on the planet returns to tell us, on the ground—with its realistic black and white drawing, masterfully superimposing shots—the ins and outs of a little-known conflict that, however, points to possible future genocide. It occurs between Hindu Jats and Muslims who live together in Uttar Pradesh, a state in northern India. Between friends and neighbors who, conscientiously encouraged, They become rivals overnight. Sacco says that dividing the population in religious terms is beneficial for political organizations, That's why the conflict broke out just before the elections, in the largest democracy in the world. Talking to each other, between humor pills and self-criticism, Joe Sacco uncovers the truths and contradictions of those involved (also those of the Government) and narrates how isolated violent events led to the calling of an assembly, that brought together an already uncontrollable mass, who would end up becoming an angry mob wielding rifles and machetes. In the end, a recurring story about how it is grown, spreads and perpetuates violence against the Other. Religion is an excuse, as usual, here we talk about power, as usual. All this is drawn by Sacco, delving into the roots of the problem, the political climate and the historical and social context, and background, again, the british appear, fleeing their colonies and dividing their empire, drawing impossible borders between India and Pakistan with square and bevel. S.M.
