Exploring the Geographical Lens and the Spatial Perspective in 'Welcome to the New World'

Graphic novels have emerged as an effective pedagogical tool for teaching complex processes like global migration. Through their use of visual language, graphic novels can offer insights into the lived experiences of migrants and refugees, their challenges and triumphs, and the broader social and political contexts that shape migration. Graphic novels also provide a means of representing diverse perspectives and nuanced experiences, as well as allowing students to understand core concepts in migration. In this examination of the graphic novel "Welcome to the New World," the author explores how the author conveys key ideas in global migration regarding the "geographical lens" and the spatial perspective. The graphic novel explores how the family learns how to acclimate to a different culture with the little assistance they are provided, while also being subject to racism and discrimination from those in their new community. The space (considered the absolute location in this definition) in "Welcome to the New World" is focused on three main countries: Syria, Jordan, and the United States. Language barriers, a lack of community, and the emotional toll of immigrating can present challenges for a family trying to find their place in a new country. Social networks are another important element of the geographical lens, and they clearly are important in this graphic novel, facilitating the integration of Ibrahim's family into their new home. The novel also demonstrates how movement can be very conditional for refugees when trying to cross political borders. Ultimately, reading this graphic novel requires students to tangle with difficult subjects related to social justice and human rights and encourages them to empathize with many refugee experiences through images and characters conveyed in graphic novels.