It all started with publishing of cartoons in blasphemy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); Islam's holiest figure.
In the wake of current global happenings, this was no time to make freedom of expression as an excuse and hurt spiritual & religious feelings of many a hundred million Muslims in the world.
Is it freedom out of control?
Was it freedom of expression, or, freedom of spiritual torture to hurt feelings of hundreds of millions??
BBC News:
"Newspapers across Europe have reprinted caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad to show support for a Danish paper whose cartoons have sparked Muslim outrage.
Seven publications in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain all carried some of the drawings.
Their publication in Denmark led Arab nations to protest. Islamic tradition bans depictions of the Prophet. The owner of one of the papers to reprint - France Soir - has now sacked its managing editor over the matter.
The cartoons have sparked diplomatic sanctions and death threats in some Arab nations, while media watchdogs have defended publication of the images in the name of press freedom.
Reporters Without Borders said the reaction in the Arab world "betrays a lack of understanding" of press freedom as "an essential accomplishment of democracy."
"Protests have spread across the Muslim world over the publication in Europe of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
The drawings, first printed in Denmark, sparked a fresh row when they were re-run in several newspapers, leading to the sacking of a French editor.
Hundreds have demonstrated in Pakistan, chanting "Death to Denmark" and burning Danish and French flags."
"Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak warned that the decision by some European papers to publish the cartoons could encourage terrorists.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai also strongly condemned their publication, saying it was "an affront... for hundreds of millions of people".
Hundreds of students demonstrated in the Pakistani cities of Lahore and Multan, burning flags and effigies of the Danish prime minister.
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson also criticised the European papers which re-ran the cartoons, saying they were "throwing petrol onto the flames of the original issue and the original offence that was taken"."
"The row intensified on Wednesday when France Soir, alongside the 12 original cartoons, printed a new drawing on its front page showing Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy figures sitting on a cloud, with the caption "Don't worry Muhammad, we've all been caricatured here."
Publications in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain also re-ran the Danish cartoons to show support for free speech.
Islamic tradition bans depictions of the Prophet or Allah."
Click here for more:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4673908.stm
Cartoon Outrage photos: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4671204.stm
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29 comments:
I heard this news.. very sad!! Today world is shouting for anti-racism and in ko dekho. Its not only about Muslims, no one has no right to hurt others. If religion gets involved, it becomes a bigger offence.
Had it been Moses, David, Jesus, Abraham Muslims have just as much responsibility to equally condemn such disrespect. It had not been Ghandi, or Mother Teressa, but yet another great savior Prophet Muhammed (P.B.U.H).
Portraying the best as the worst, and the worst as the best isnt a surprise. The secularists very well know that they have done wrong by showing disregard and lack of respect. But their resistance, and reappearance of such cartoon in more newspapers accross europe is only a reactive response out of fear of losing their secular society. They have been awoken to fears of loss of their most treasured security, and have found their source of security as a threat.
Every democratic nation can distinguish between civil liberties and religious freedom. It is remarkable, that they are the first ones to violate it as well.
I agree with Raheel. It is wrong to disrespect anyone's race or faith. I don't know if I am welcome to post here? (I am a US Citizen, a woman and follower of Jesus Christ.) I want to say that I am sorry for the rude cartoon! Mohammed was an honorable man & leader of his people. There have been cartoons made against Jesus too. I understand the hurt & anger it incites. I love ALL people, Muslim, Hindu, Jews, Christians alike. My heart longs for peace. I wish to honor all people. This is my wish and my prayer. No more should mothers bury thier sons...
whatever happens, i endorse satire in the ways necessary... i'll never endorse satire for the sake of proving one's point or putting one group down at another's cost...
where do we go from here.?.. the media is world wide, satire is noncompatible with all the different access groups, peace and quiet is relagated to council subcommissions who dictate where and where not family holidays can be held...
sigh... i'm not so optimistic, suddenly...)
keep well... all of you...
I agree with the title.
Some people forget that Freedom is LIMITED by any act that infringes the freedom and dignity of OTHERS.
There's no such thing as freedom without a parameter, unless you live in a cave by yourself.
As I said in my post: Freedom of speech is NOT when someone shouted FIRE in a crowded room! Inciting hatred..playing with fire...it will just snowball...scary stuff!
My observation two folds:
1. Right wing groups behind all these..
2. Clash of civilisations...secular western media versus the muslims world
raheel: It surely is not only about Muslims, I agree.
brainsyke: That's the point; the makers of liberties have themselves become the breakers.
It be for any Holy man on earth, Muslims should condemn it.
trailady: It really does not matter you being a US citizen or a follower of Jesus Christ. The best part is that we share the same feelings for those engaged in such disturbing practices against religious figures and exploiting freedom for the sake of their own purpose.
bart: exactly, satire not for the sake of abusing faith of hundreds of millions of human beings.
asiansmiles: Yes, they should know that Limits are very important. Even for a liberal or secular society, if it has no limits, it would turn into a jungle where there are no rules or limitations to be followed.
black feline: you said it right, and, it's the same point.
It is sad anytime one faith disrespects another. The cartoon was innappropriate. We should learn how to honor each other, rather than kill or poke fun.
U.S is secular, but is based on religious principles, and US people are a lot more religious than actually percieved. Many radio hosts, and other have made fun of Prophet Mohammed, and Hajj on many incidents; however, here we are able to diplomatically resolve and address such confrontations.
pilgrim: quite true!
brainsyke: This explains Danish Prime Minister's worst move by refusing to meet 11 Muslim Ambassados after the incident.
I am a South Asian Muslim living in Ireland, details why the cartoons are offensive: Not only was the prophet depicted, he was portrayed as a terrorist. “Hopefully out of ignorance rather than malevolence, something deeply painful to the entire Muslim world was published in a Danish newspaper. That in itself was an irresponsible use of the freedom of the press, which in no country anywhere is an unlimited freedom allowing journalists to vilify, libel or lie.
Religion has always been a subject of attention for believers like you and an athiest like me. But still I will say some thing. Try not to hurt some one's honest feelings. Every one know innocent people are being used by our leaders on the name of religion. I dont need to quote any example. The news is really sad. As Raheel said, when religion is involved the scene is bigger. All I will say is dont hurt sentiments of innocent people.
jawwad s: "unlimited freedom allowing journalists to vilify, libel or lie". Loved your post, and waiting for your reply to Chris' comment.
zeid koudsi: :)
laura:) Yes it is about freedom of expression, it should be there. What should also be there is the moral responsibility of no misuse of this freedom.
kumar chetan: I share your opinion
It's truly disgraceful. I like your title. It pretty much covers it.
aisha: That it truly is. It covers it all, that's why I chose it as title. Another one could be; "Limiting Freedom for better"
this was bad!
Such a wicked act, they'll regret. May Allah show all us right path.
prayers,
samrina
limiting freedom is easier than leaving room for anything and everything.
Hey...i was wondering if you have the links to the actual cartoon pictures...i have heard they have shown it on TV...but i missed it...but thanks for coming around my blog..really appreciate it :) thanks..i will see u around.
freedom of speech? During the President's (Bush) speech couple of days ago .. a woman was kicked out for wearing an anti war t-shirt.
And now all the newspapers start calling on freedom of speech act all of a sudden ..
the newspapers are stupiddd .. this gives many extremist muslim groups a reason to abduct journalists .. working in their cities ..
the newspapers should care about the journalists. One shouldn't disrespect a religion .. freedom of speech is limited in many ways .. anyway .. my thoughts on this are too long .. good day!
Your title is on point. There is no excuse. At the very least, the cartoons demonstrate a lack of journalistic integrity and sensitivity. In the case of some publications, one could make the argument for maliciousness. I think AsianSmiles puts it all in perspective quite well.
It's sad that our world has it's cliches that desire to feel superior and they do so by insinuating that others are inferior. We're all connected. Regardless of how we got here, we all got here the same way and in some way, depend on one another to stay here. We can only be responsible for ourselves and hope to change others by an example of love and acceptance. I'm not only sorry for the words (or satire) used to insult others, but I'm sorry for the person who felt it was okay to do so. That person is lost and needs our prayers too.
I also want to personally apologize for the comments made on 'The Cabana'. I honestly don't believe the author of that blog is of the mindset of his commentor's. At least, I hope not, because I really admire his mind and wit.
Bless you, my friend.
Nabeel ~ you don't actually believe there is ever a good reason for abduction, do you?
:( yes is very sad .....The world everyday is more crazy :(..... will be great if everybody will very good with each others and forget a lot of stupid things!!!
Hasan thank you very much for the link at night I will add your link on mine list too ;)
No one's religion should be disrespected.
But I must say, if the Muslim community would show that some kind of passion and unity against "radical Islam" that they demonstrated over a cartoon, maybe there wouldn't even be a war right now.
hmmmm......
tats sad..i ownder y the woprld makes personal attacks:(
lets help thsi world to be a better place to live in
fonzter: Yes, it really was.
samrina: Amen!
brainsyke: limits are very important because if there aren't any, it would no longer remain a human society and would turn into a jungle.
no one: I couldn't find any either. Perhaps, it was because I never wanted to see them.
Thanks for visiting too!
guerrella blogger: I, too, am pleased that you returned the visit. Keep coming for more...
nabeel: Well, that anti-war kicking was interesting.
Thanks to their employers; being a Danish journalist won't be safe any more.
dcs: journalistic integrity and sensitivity; both are really very important. The publishers have shown lack of both.
kathi: Oh dear, you don't need to personally appologize for anyone who lacks respect for others. Yes, we are here to live together; co-exist with different people & cultures. It is only through love & respect for others through which we can make this world a better place to live in.
And, in my opinion, there never is any good reason to abduct innocents.
God Bless us all!
virginiajoe: I always love to see more creative work at your place, that's why you are on my blogroll. It's great to know that you like my place that much...
goddess: The west's biggest mis-perception about Islam is extremism. That, what is radical or extremist, is not Islam.
We all need to be united to up-root the very base of injustice & cruelty regardless of watching who's causing it.
jaimie: Yes, anything that disrespects others is wrong indeed.
unaiza nasim: we wish we could turn this world into a more peaceful place.
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