on the Muhammad cartoons
regarding the Muhammad cartoons, otherwise known as the most recent example of religion-fuelled asininity, and the
ludicrous
amount of
backlash
it's caused, I share the Danish bemusement at the whole debacle. The BBC is very good on just why the satirization of the Prophet is so insulting, but the fact remains that reactions are horrifically overblown. Yes, the cartoons are irreverent. Yes, Muslim readers have a right to object. But to reach for the guns and bombs simply because a handful of impudent cartoons are published? That affronts any rational mind's sense of reason.
But nothing is rational when it comes to religion. It seems that religious issues somehow justify the elevation of its defenders above the law and societal norms. It's as though they warrant a special sensitivity we wouldn't afford, say, issues affronting respected leaders, accomplished writers and great thinkers. It's as though religious wrangling has no regard for mortals and their justice systems, and that somehow, that's OK.
But religiosity aside, somehow, the fact that it's about Islam warrants discrimination in their favour: it's a dangerous positive discrimination that backs away from "anti-West" Islamic protesters in London, murmuring platitudes about "speech freedoms", while simultaneously censuring anti-Muslims for being racist. It's the same sentiment that hardline feminists operate from; the same mealy-mouthed policies that excuse race and gender quotas in universities and the workplace in the name of egalitarianism.
all this justifies street burnings and death threats over a few snarky drawings. the pettiness, the prodigious irrationality - it's unbearable.
because I am t3h champion of free speech, I exercise my right to publish the cartoons here, and you may reasonably exercise your right to view or not to view them.
the one I thought was most out of line.
it must be said that all satire, by definition, illuminates an element of truth. if a cartoon is recognizably funny, it's recognizably true. To the protestors I entreat: be offended and demand apology; by all means it is your right. But this right doesn't extend to senseless rioting. You are perpetuating the same violent-extremists stereotype you protest so valiantly against. Pls grow up, thxbye.
meantime: I'm off to Paris for a while.