Final answer:
Maus should not be banned for its cover, as it uses visual metaphors to engage with the history of the Holocaust. Similar methods are used today to represent current events, showcasing the power of imagery in art to influence and communicate. The Holocaust also significantly altered the world map by influencing the formation of Israel and international law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether Art Spiegelman's Maus should be banned because of its cover is a matter that touches upon issues of censorship, the role of art in society, and the interpretation of imagery. The book uses visual metaphors to represent different groups during the Holocaust, with different species of animals depicting different nationalities and social groups. This choice by Spiegelman was intended to provoke thought and discussion, offering an accessible way to engage with the complex and painful history of the Holocaust.
Visual metaphors similar to those used in Maus continue to be employed today to depict current events. For example, when addressing war and conflict, an artist could use fragmented or disfigured representations of figures to symbolize the destruction and human cost of war, much like Picasso's Guernica. For social or political commentary, artists might use caricature or allegory to critique behaviors or policies, as seen in satirical cartoons and artworks.
The power of images to communicate ideas, influence attitudes, and instigate change is significant, and visual representations can be a strong force for either advocacy or propaganda. This underscores the importance of art in interpreting and reflecting current events and societal issues.
Regarding the question on how the Holocaust played a major role in changing the world map, the aftermath of the Holocaust had substantial effects on global politics, leading to the formation of the State of Israel as a homeland for Jewish people and the reshaping of international law with respect to human rights and the treatment of war crimes.