The biggest Islam-related story in the world today is obviously the recent uproar about the Danish cartoons depicting Muhammad (saaws). I really just have a few brief comments:
1. Even if you believe strongly in free speech (and I do) it is really really stupid to piss on the religious sensibilities of a billion people.
2. Muslims are under no obligation to give their money to people (or those associated with them) who piss on their religious sensibilities. So the boycotts are a beautiful response. It is certainly a wiser, more constructive response than resorting to violence (which unfortunately is also happening).
3. Anger doesn't arise in a vacum. And I don't believe that in all times and places, you would find Muslims reacting violently to a mere cartoon. (For example, Muhammad was depicted on a past episode of South Park without causing any kind of protest as far as I know) From the recent French riots we know that the European Muslim community is facing all sorts of issues of class and race, anger and disrespect, and that it only takes a catalyst to bring those issues to the surface.
1. Even if you believe strongly in free speech (and I do) it is really really stupid to piss on the religious sensibilities of a billion people.
2. Muslims are under no obligation to give their money to people (or those associated with them) who piss on their religious sensibilities. So the boycotts are a beautiful response. It is certainly a wiser, more constructive response than resorting to violence (which unfortunately is also happening).
3. Anger doesn't arise in a vacum. And I don't believe that in all times and places, you would find Muslims reacting violently to a mere cartoon. (For example, Muhammad was depicted on a past episode of South Park without causing any kind of protest as far as I know) From the recent French riots we know that the European Muslim community is facing all sorts of issues of class and race, anger and disrespect, and that it only takes a catalyst to bring those issues to the surface.
Telegraph: Anti-Islamic Comments from the Danish Queen
The Brussels Journal: Danish Imams Propose to End Cartoon Dispute (includes cartoons)
Alt.Muslim: The Dirty Dozen (And the Damage Done)
Alt.Muslim: Through The Looking Glass: The Danish Cartoons
The Brussels Journal: Danish Imams Propose to End Cartoon Dispute (includes cartoons)
Alt.Muslim: The Dirty Dozen (And the Damage Done)
Alt.Muslim: Through The Looking Glass: The Danish Cartoons
1 comment:
Allah Ouakbar (in French)
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