The papers claim loudly that they have the right to express themselves however they want. The Muslims and Islamic people from all over the word feel that the image portrayed is insulting. I don't know is whose rights should carry more weight. Where does the right to free speech outweigh freedom of religion? Is this a religious matter?
I know that when I don't like something on TV I am told to turn the channel. It does not matter how insulting it is. I am my own censor. Here in America we have been trained to have an overall understanding that you vote with your pocket book. If you agree with something buy it. If you don't, then don't. <I know that it is not allowed in Muslim or Islam faiths to have any representation of the Prophet. This is to stop Idolatry.
i·dol·a·try
n. pl. i·dol·a·tries
- Worship of idols.
- Blind or excessive devotion to something.
I am guessing that we are talking about the number 1 definition here. I am not Christian but as I understand it some sects of the Christian belief have a law around this policy as well.
Number 3 In King James Ten Commandments
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.
Many Christians believe this line is to also include pictures or statues of Jesus (graven image) or anything, such as a cross (Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them) that symbolizes God.
Although I am not a Christian I still believe that everyone has a different view about God and what he looks like just seems like one more thing to argue about. In all the things that people argue about, God’s appearance seems pretty stupid to me. But that is my opinion and really does not have a lot to do with the rest of this post.
I am proud to say that here in America we have not had the problems that they have had in Europe. So far “we the people” have done a remarkable job of handling this one. Unlike their non-American brethren, the American Muslims have taken this conflict with their core beliefs in a remarkably calm fashion. There was a press conference where our news papers were NOT told what they could NOT print, but instead ASKED for respect.
So as in all things I havr to ask why? I don't “know” the answer here. I ask myself how in the whole world “we the people” are the ones that handled this with some civility. Not once have I seen this picture on American Television. When curious I had to go look on the Web and then could not find it in American “main stream” media sources.
Why?
I can not know of course from the view of an American Muslim, but as a “New Age Pragmatic” who was raised by Christians I can and will say this. DO NOT ‘TELL” the American Media what they can and can not say about your religion. It is a challenge that they are more than willing to accept if you give them a reason. American Media is the one superpower that you will never have the right to question, and if they are on your side just go with it and hope it stays that way.
Right now in a dark room somewhere on a shelf are books and books of stereotypes and phraseology just waiting to be loaded into the “Weapon of Mass Persuasion.” There is nothing sharper than a point of view.
Just feel free to ask the “tree-hugging granola eating hippie freaks” or maybe the “bible thumping fundamentalists”, about what American media will do to your beliefs in the name of free speech. I am sure you wont have to look to far to get an example or opinion from someone. Even the effects nuclear weaponry dissipates faster that the hatred and ignorance that can be caused by the “weapon of mass persuasion”.
I wonder what would happen if the Christians would hold that press conference, or if a Wiccan, or Pagan or any (insert religion here). I am truly happy for the American followers of Muhammed. I think they handled this well. In the matter of who’s right and who is wrong concerning the idolatry of God I don't really have an opinion. What small opinion I have on that matter is stated above in red. If you feel you need to have one then I recommend you think about it on your own.
I am merely pointing out that not only have governments bowed down to our media in all its glory, but here is an example where the Gods themselves request some respect and hope the media is in a giving mood.
