Informational Nat. Geo pamphlet on Conflict in the Middle East

An infographic brochure that was produced by the National Geographic Society in September of 1980. It folds out into 8 double sided panels that feature beautiful illustrations, writings and maps discussing conflict in the Middle East. The Illustrations feature not only important figure heads and people in these conflicts but also informational illustrations on Israeli settlements VS Palestinian refugee camps. The whole brochure is relatively monochromatic but overall very beautiful and aesthetic to look at. It was illustrated by Leo B Zebarth and Dorothy Micehlle Novak, who have been featured as a part of the National Geographic art division in a handful of other journals and publications. 

The mission of The National Geographic Society is to cultivate and support the exploration and education of this planet we call home. Since 1888 they have existed to continue the sciences of our environment while also encouraging geographical literacy about cultures and communities that are not our own. (Analysis) National Geographic has been a staple in our society for over 100 years and will continue to spread and share information

The Art Division specifically of National Geographic is used as a tool to discuss topics that aren't as easy as a picture. They show us things that aren't able to be photographed so easily, items that are too microscopic or not visible to the human eye, concepts and movements, stories that can’t so easily be told by a camera are told by the artists and cartographers at National Geographic. (Miller)

I believe that this deserves a place in the archive as it still speaks volumes about the world that we currently live in. This brochure was created almost 50 years ago as a way of educating people on these events, this was how information was mainly shared in the 21st century. Today the conflicts in the middle east, specifically Israel and Palestine, are still being discussed and protested in major ways. The conflicts are only getting more intense and sometimes it can feel as if nothing as changed in 50 years, however the spreading of information is not, we still continue to discuss these important issues and see the impact it has on our world 

Sarah Arvizu 

Sources:

Analysis: History of National Geographic. Talk of the Nation. National Public Radio, Inc. (NPR), 2004.

Miller, Meg. 2017. Review of 100 Years of Infographics from National Geographic. Fast Company.com. January 13, 2017. https://www.fastcompany.com/3067134/100-years-of-brilliant-infographics-from-national-geographic.

“Our Focus.” n.d. National Geographic Society. Accessed April 29, 2024. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-focus/#:~:text=We%20are%20a%20global%20non.