... do as we say, think like us, be like us...
I am Thomas - By Libby Gleeson and Armin Greder
Thomas is isolated in a crowd. His story is punctuated by this repeated mantra – by the words adults such as parents, teachers, politicians, recruitment officers and churchgoers have said to him throughout his journey from childhood to adulthood. Words like these are often used to inculcate ideas, attitudes, values and beliefs, but also in a very sinister way to repress children, teenagers and adults, and to inveigle them into actions they might not have ever imagined. In this book, Libby Gleeson expresses the powerful sense of social justice reflected in her previous works, and similarly, artist Armin Greder in this and his previous two self-authored books, has evinced a passionate regard for individual self-determination and choice, and an objection to simply adhering to the status quo. When the two have combined their talents, they’ve created a synergy which is much more than their individual parts. Libby Gleeson’s spare and yet expressively written text is explored in Greder’s stunningly arresting visual text in which they celebrate non-conformity, encourage their readers to question peer group pressure, and challenge the forces which would have us behave as unquestioning members of a community. ‘I am Thomas’ is an extremely potent expression of one boy’s refusal to become a silent member of a crowd.
I am Thomas - By Libby Gleeson and Armin Greder
Thomas is isolated in a crowd. His story is punctuated by this repeated mantra – by the words adults such as parents, teachers, politicians, recruitment officers and churchgoers have said to him throughout his journey from childhood to adulthood. Words like these are often used to inculcate ideas, attitudes, values and beliefs, but also in a very sinister way to repress children, teenagers and adults, and to inveigle them into actions they might not have ever imagined. In this book, Libby Gleeson expresses the powerful sense of social justice reflected in her previous works, and similarly, artist Armin Greder in this and his previous two self-authored books, has evinced a passionate regard for individual self-determination and choice, and an objection to simply adhering to the status quo. When the two have combined their talents, they’ve created a synergy which is much more than their individual parts. Libby Gleeson’s spare and yet expressively written text is explored in Greder’s stunningly arresting visual text in which they celebrate non-conformity, encourage their readers to question peer group pressure, and challenge the forces which would have us behave as unquestioning members of a community. ‘I am Thomas’ is an extremely potent expression of one boy’s refusal to become a silent member of a crowd.
Comprehension and Discussion Questions:
1. Thomas is the central character in this text, and all those who attempt to influence him are nameless. ‘I am not the child my brother is. I am not the student they all are. I do not walk the streets as they do.’ Discuss the way the characters in this, are objectified as ‘they’, ‘we’ etc. Why are they nameless?
2. The crowd scenes in the book are executed in charcoal colours of grey and black, but Thomas himself is drawn in muted pastel hues, as are the toys and objects which matter to him. Discuss the artist’s use of colour in depicting Thomas. What does this suggest thematically (what does this suggest about the themes of the text)?
3. Each of the objects Thomas collects can be seen to have symbolic resonance. They denote, for example: curiosity, adventure, intellectual insight and difference. What do these objects tell us about Thomas?
4. Discuss the use of perspective, the spatial relationships between people, and body language of figures in these images (for example the foregrounding of the leering, threatening figures, and the difference suggested when Thomas is foregrounded in the pictures, since he is surrounded by white space).
5. What do these images suggest about who are are as a society?
6. The final three spreads are wordless, first showing Thomas playing with a toy bus, then looking enquiringly into the future, and then in a wordless crowd scene in which Thomas is about to board a bus. Several other figures in this scene are depicted in colour, whilst several others are in stark black or grey charcoal, and are depicted walking away from the bus. What meaning did you take from this sequence of images and open ending?
7. Where do you think this story is set? What evidence do you have to support this?
8. The idea of the ‘journey’ or ‘rite of passage’ is conveyed in Armin Greder’s illustrations in the opening pages as the toys illustrate and trace the boy’s progress from the childish things which he is told he must ‘put away’ in order to be considered an ‘adult’ or a man. Discuss with students the things which they enjoyed as children; do they still value or treasure them? Do we have to change as we get older? Can a man or woman still enjoy childish things, or is this a sign of immaturity, in your opinion? What does it mean to be ‘mature’ in
any case? Discuss.
9. Thomas might be described as a non-conformist, a free thinker, or even as an iconoclast. Use a thesaurus to find words which relate to his character. Discuss the meanings of such words and whether some give an extreme or misleading impression.
10. Do you think Thomas has a life full of happiness? What evidence do you have to support this?
1. Thomas is the central character in this text, and all those who attempt to influence him are nameless. ‘I am not the child my brother is. I am not the student they all are. I do not walk the streets as they do.’ Discuss the way the characters in this, are objectified as ‘they’, ‘we’ etc. Why are they nameless?
2. The crowd scenes in the book are executed in charcoal colours of grey and black, but Thomas himself is drawn in muted pastel hues, as are the toys and objects which matter to him. Discuss the artist’s use of colour in depicting Thomas. What does this suggest thematically (what does this suggest about the themes of the text)?
3. Each of the objects Thomas collects can be seen to have symbolic resonance. They denote, for example: curiosity, adventure, intellectual insight and difference. What do these objects tell us about Thomas?
4. Discuss the use of perspective, the spatial relationships between people, and body language of figures in these images (for example the foregrounding of the leering, threatening figures, and the difference suggested when Thomas is foregrounded in the pictures, since he is surrounded by white space).
5. What do these images suggest about who are are as a society?
6. The final three spreads are wordless, first showing Thomas playing with a toy bus, then looking enquiringly into the future, and then in a wordless crowd scene in which Thomas is about to board a bus. Several other figures in this scene are depicted in colour, whilst several others are in stark black or grey charcoal, and are depicted walking away from the bus. What meaning did you take from this sequence of images and open ending?
7. Where do you think this story is set? What evidence do you have to support this?
8. The idea of the ‘journey’ or ‘rite of passage’ is conveyed in Armin Greder’s illustrations in the opening pages as the toys illustrate and trace the boy’s progress from the childish things which he is told he must ‘put away’ in order to be considered an ‘adult’ or a man. Discuss with students the things which they enjoyed as children; do they still value or treasure them? Do we have to change as we get older? Can a man or woman still enjoy childish things, or is this a sign of immaturity, in your opinion? What does it mean to be ‘mature’ in
any case? Discuss.
9. Thomas might be described as a non-conformist, a free thinker, or even as an iconoclast. Use a thesaurus to find words which relate to his character. Discuss the meanings of such words and whether some give an extreme or misleading impression.
10. Do you think Thomas has a life full of happiness? What evidence do you have to support this?
Intertextuality: Discuss the use of a ‘pointing figure’ in each scene (family, school, funfair, army, government, religion) which is threatening and intimidating, and adds menace to the impact of the words. Some of these images can also be seen to relate to famous images of intimidating figures eg. Lord Kitchener’s poster entreating young men to fight in WWI. ‘Your Country Needs You!’
1. How are such images used persuasively?
2. How do these images relate to the text?
2. How do these images relate to the text?
Writing:
Write a narrative that uses one of these quotes as inspiration:
‘You must do as you’re told.’
‘Let the army make you a man.’
‘Your country needs your vote.’
Write a narrative that uses one of these quotes as inspiration:
‘You must do as you’re told.’
‘Let the army make you a man.’
‘Your country needs your vote.’
Conscription:
The compulsory enrollment of persons for military or naval service; draft.
Up until 1972, any Australian citizen could be forced to join the army to fight in a war. If they refused they were sent to jail.
The compulsory enrollment of persons for military or naval service; draft.
Up until 1972, any Australian citizen could be forced to join the army to fight in a war. If they refused they were sent to jail.
Famous Anti-War Citizens
On April 28, 1967, boxing champion Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army and is immediately stripped of his heavyweight title. Ali, a Muslim, cited religious reasons for his decision to forgo military service. He said “I ain’t got no quarrel with those Vietcong.” On June 20, 1967, Ali was convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000 and banned from boxing for three years. He stayed out of prison as his case was appealed and returned to the ring on October 26, 1970, knocking out Jerry Quarry in Atlanta in the third round. On March 8, 1971, Ali fought Joe Frazier in the “Fight of the Century” and lost after 15 rounds, the first loss of his professional boxing career. On June 28 of that same year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction for evading the draft.
On April 28, 1967, boxing champion Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army and is immediately stripped of his heavyweight title. Ali, a Muslim, cited religious reasons for his decision to forgo military service. He said “I ain’t got no quarrel with those Vietcong.” On June 20, 1967, Ali was convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000 and banned from boxing for three years. He stayed out of prison as his case was appealed and returned to the ring on October 26, 1970, knocking out Jerry Quarry in Atlanta in the third round. On March 8, 1971, Ali fought Joe Frazier in the “Fight of the Century” and lost after 15 rounds, the first loss of his professional boxing career. On June 28 of that same year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction for evading the draft.
- This clip shows scenes of the anti-Vietnam War protest movement in Australia. Opposition to the War grew from 1963, predominantly on university campuses. Televised images of the War strongly influenced antiwar feeling. A Gallup Poll in August 1969 revealed that a majority of Australians favoured bringing Australian troops home. In May 1970 more than 200,000 people marched in street protests. After the announcement by the Australian Government that Australian troops would be withdrawn, protest against conscription continued.
- In Australia, opposition to conscription was a powerful aspect of the peace movement. In May 1968 legislation providing much more severe penalties for youths who evaded compulsory military service and for those who helped them do so was introduced. Failure to answer a call-up notice or to undertake military service could incur 2 years’ imprisonment, imposed by a magistrate without the option of a jury trial.
- Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the subject of this demonstration, began in 1962 when 32 military advisers were sent to Vietnam. By 1965 it was apparent that South Vietnam could not hold out against communist insurgents and the USA increased its commitment of troops and asked for the assistance of its allies. To provide the personnel to support the USA in the War, conscription was introduced in Australia in 1964. Australia’s commitment continued until 1972 when the Labor Party won office and withdrew Australian troops from Vietnam.
- Opposition to Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War increased from 1967 as opposition to conscription and awareness of the War grew. Many protesters asserted that the War was a broadly based war of national liberation fought by the communists, first against the French, then the Japanese, then the French again and finally the Americans. As a result of the War, 520 Australians died and almost 2,400 were wounded. The conflict resulted in 58,000 American deaths and it is claimed that as many as 3 million people died as a result of the hostilities.
What countries do you think have conscription today?
Should Military Service be Mandatory?
Here are some opinions from an online forum...
Here are some opinions from an online forum...
YES
Yes, it should There's no reason as to why able men shouldn't be obliged to serve their country in times of warfare crisis and/or be prepared for hypothetical wartime. Not only that, but it provides a gargantuan amount of benefits, such as: physical conditioning, mental toughening and a chance to help promote equality between young and old men alike. There's so many immature, feeble-minded, snobbish pretty boys nowadays who need to be whipped into shape and grow up, and I believe that compulsory military service/temporary military training should be implemented as soon as possible. I think that military service should be mandatory. Some countries like South Korea is now resting during the war. They do not know when North Korea would invade them so many countries should prepare for the wars they don't know when would happen. Also countries with less population should make people come to the military compulsory since there would be a little number of people asking for military service. Get your head in the game and help fight for what you love. There is to many people hiding behind problems that many don't even have. They just want freedom but they don't want to fight for it. If you want something so bad you have to work for it. So if you want your freedom join the military or stop complaining about what the military is doing. Too much complacency. Americans are too complacent, and think the government will take care of them. Now, certainly not all Americans are this way, but far too high of a percentage is. People need to learn to take care of themselves. I don't believe that everyone should be forced into combat (only on a volunteer basis), but everyone should take basic training and serve for at least a year. It would drastically lower crime, increase maturity, make people smarter, more fit, and more appreciative. Although, there would have to be exceptions for those with disabilities or those who are too overweight. We can't force all Americans to be fit. Yes Military Service should be Mandatory Military service should absolutely be mandatory. Everyone enjoys the benefits of living in a country where people are risking their lives to save them. If you and everyone you knew had to serve in the military you would have a greater respect for what it means and more understanding and concern for what the country involves itself in. It would increase love of country. Yes It should I think mandatory military service should be something that every individual or citizen should experience. It can also teach us a set of skills that WILL come in handy. I think everyone should go through it once. Service in the U.S should be 1-2 years. We get a lot of freedom from this country we should repay it by fulfilling a military service. yes it should If you want to live in the country why cant we fight for it? If you can sit there and say "oh I live in the united states of America" but if I were to ask you would you fight for it and you say "no way" then you need to get out of this country because we are lucky we aren't all social media slaves and labor workers supported by some dictator. We are one of the few country`s that has freedom of speech and all our rights, why cant you defend those rights? |
NO
NO they shouldn't People on the yes side are dumb, You can't put some random person that doesn't want to be in war out to war. What's the point your only as strong as your weakest link, and if he holds you back, it can cost a life nor a war. People who should be in the military are the ones who want to fight for their country. But I still got to total respect for the people who want to do that because they risk their lives for us, god bless them. Even if this provides benefits many will still perish in the war. Many lives will be wasted that could have otherwise changed the world. War is never constructive many lives will be thrown away. Families will outlaw and vote against this detrimental law. This could be detrimental to society and increase racism and patriotism to the point of Nazism. Many people could become criminals because of the fact that they were forced to kill in the war. There Are Enough Volunteers No, military service should not be mandatory. There are still people who remember Viet Nam and the draft. War is never an easy decision, but military service should not be mandatory. The rules and regulations of the military do not suit everyone. If a person is forced to go into the military and eventually finds out they just can’t make the grade, they end up with a dishonorable discharge that is an embarrassment for the rest of their lives. As long as the military provides free training and schooling there will always be people enough who will volunteer. Your freedom is taken away, either by military... ...Where you follow orders or get shot, or by sending you to prison, which is nearly identical fate. There are enough war-crazy nutters in this world who think they're gonna get a decent paycheck/pension, who will willingly sign up, that a draft is totally unnecessary. Besides which, you get sentenced to a life of isolation, moving from place to place, and crazy discipline for stupid reasons (nobody cares that your shoes are shined). To make matters worse, there are religious groups that are exempt. To make matters worse, only men have to sign up for selective service, making it completely sexist, and essentially a form of slavery to the state. To make matters worse still, this sick and inhumane thing is voted 61%, meaning roughly 2/3 of the population are controlling jerks who are okay with sentencing the population to be murdered or become murderers. You guys should feel horrible. Not all of us are cut out for war. Not all people are built for fighting in a war environment. Why should a scientific mind die fighting for the people he could be helping scientifically? I understand a war draft in a time of great need, but save people who could have better use off the front for the low priority on the draft. Plenty of Volunteers The U.S. military has plenty of volunteers who sign up for duty. With enough benefits due to military service, plenty of Americans sign up willingly every year. Military service in the United States should never be mandatory. If the war is justified, enough people will join the force of their own volition. Family/ Lose/ Mistake. They shouldn't have it mandatory because what if the have kids? What is the country going to do, they would basically be taking responsibility of taking kids moms or dads away from them and they probably wouldn't feel bad if the kids lost them at all. DON'T MAKE IT MANDATORY!!! |
This image shows a photograph of conscriptionists campaigning for conscription in Mingenew, Western Australia in 1917.