Monday, February 06, 2006
How to get your embassy burnt down:
1. Draw one religiously offensive cartoon
2. Publish in newspaper
3. Wait....
Who could ever possibly take enough offence to a cartoon in a newspaper to protest? Quite a few people actually. The recent demonstrations around the world by Muslims have shown that certain things just should not be joked about. The cartoons, published in a Danish newspaper, and republished in 12 newspapers around the world, depicted the prophet Mohammad. The government of that country has appealed for calm, and apologised for the incident, but some are suggesting that the reaction might be a bit overblown.
Supporters of free speech have critisised those who seek to ban this kind of publication, using the argument that why should they not be allowed to publish whatever they want. After all, most editorials and opinion articles are on controversial subjects which not all readers will find palatable. However, there is a line between harmless freedom of speech and an insult. We in the West have grown up with the idea that some things are to be taken as a joke, and are perhaps less sensitive to caricatures of our religions. Also, standards of living are generally higher in western countries, meaning that people tend to rely on a new god, money. In most Muslim countries, tough living conditions and brutal regimes mean relying on divine intervention to survive a necessity for most. By insulting the backbone of their faith it is to be expected many will be upset.
Islam is going through a tumultuous time, facing modernity while clinging onto its roots. Perhaps editors of newspapers could remember this before publishing anything they fit in the name of free speech.
1. Draw one religiously offensive cartoon
2. Publish in newspaper
3. Wait....
Who could ever possibly take enough offence to a cartoon in a newspaper to protest? Quite a few people actually. The recent demonstrations around the world by Muslims have shown that certain things just should not be joked about. The cartoons, published in a Danish newspaper, and republished in 12 newspapers around the world, depicted the prophet Mohammad. The government of that country has appealed for calm, and apologised for the incident, but some are suggesting that the reaction might be a bit overblown.
Supporters of free speech have critisised those who seek to ban this kind of publication, using the argument that why should they not be allowed to publish whatever they want. After all, most editorials and opinion articles are on controversial subjects which not all readers will find palatable. However, there is a line between harmless freedom of speech and an insult. We in the West have grown up with the idea that some things are to be taken as a joke, and are perhaps less sensitive to caricatures of our religions. Also, standards of living are generally higher in western countries, meaning that people tend to rely on a new god, money. In most Muslim countries, tough living conditions and brutal regimes mean relying on divine intervention to survive a necessity for most. By insulting the backbone of their faith it is to be expected many will be upset.
Islam is going through a tumultuous time, facing modernity while clinging onto its roots. Perhaps editors of newspapers could remember this before publishing anything they fit in the name of free speech.
# posted by Laddie @ 1:03 AM 
