Analyzing Message in : "Graphic Novel 'Maus' Banned in Russia for It's Cover"

Link to article can be found here. This post will evaluate the message of Art Spiegelman's interview about his graphic novel 'Maus' and it's ban in Russia with the guidance of A Student's Guide to First Year Writing. 

Here's a little mouse playing his trumpet because 'Maus' and right to free expression, get it? 

Scott, Richard "Jazz Mouse" December 26th, 2007
NonCommercial ShareAlike License 

Does the author

1. Express an idea or opinion?
2. Respond to a particular occasion?
3. Inform the reader about a misunderstood topic?
4. Analyze, synthesize, or interpret?
5. Reflect on their topic?
6. Advocate for change?
7. Move the readers to feel a certain way?

The most relevant questions to relate to this text would be numbers 1, 2, and 5. The entire article is a response to a particular occasion. Spiegelman is speaking against the purge of his novel 'Maus' from bookstores because of the swastika displayed on the cover page. It was relevant and a topic of discussion at the time of this interview.  He strongly disagrees with this, and openly shares his opinion of the decision. He also goes back to reflect on other times this has happened. In Germany, swastikas are vehemently banned with the exception of scholarly writings. 'Maus' is a graphic novel, which at the time of it's production, was a term that was practically unheard of. Spiegelman had to get Maus approved as a piece of scholarly literature before it could be sold in Germany.

There's more layers to this, however. His speaks about the importance of cover art and it's ability to convey the general idea of a story before the book is even opened. A ban on that, and a refusal of his rights to his own artwork, is something that he also talks about. It's a crucial part of the information. Spiegelman's reflection on these topics build up his main point. 

The least relevant question would be 3. It isn't exactly surprising that many European nations ban swastikas entirely, so the extension of that law on novels shouldn't come as shock. The discussion is still interesting and multi-faceted, but I wouldn't say the ban on swastikas would be misunderstood.