Ace_O_Spades

I'm wading in very, very late... but I wanted to formulate my thoughts first.

Personally I find this whole thing very disturbing. I've been trying to follow this issue as much as I can, especially over the last few days. I've really been enjoying what Andrew Sullivan (www.andrewsullivan.com) has been writing, but at the same time I have been trying to stay open to opposing arguments.

This link provides a great perspective on the topic from that of a Muslim living in Canada. http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/616

I'm torn on this issue in a lot of ways. On one hand I can understand how some people MAY be offended by some of the cartoons, based on the arguments communicated in the above article. As individuals with our own independant values and morals, we all face images and expressions which we find offensive, so we must put ourselves in a position to empathise with prejudice directed toward the muslim religion.

I also agree with those who created these cartoons in the first place on some levels. As an artist, writer, or performer a person should have the freedom to produce anything as long as it has an honorable and just intention. Not that I necessarily agree with each cartoon, but I do agree with what they represent in regards to free speech.

I also believe anyone of rational thought cannot agree with the violent reactions to these offenses. Not that I am condemning or slandering muslims, as I am simply trying to illustrate the profound absurdity and hypocracy of the acts of violence.

The Islamic religion does not justify the criminal retaliations any more than it does terrorists acting in the name of "Allah" or infavorable depictions of the prophet Mohammed.

This is a specific concern to myself as these events are leading to increased prejudice toward muslims when these acts violate the credence of Islam and do not reflect muslim fundamentals, rather reflect that these people who are "acting in the name of Islam" are in fact just as offensive to muslims as the cartoons.

An interesting and applicable parallel to this situation is the depiction of Kanye West as Jesus Christ on the cover of Rolling Stone. Many christians find this illustration deeply offensive and condemn it as blasphemy. However, you do not seem the same violent revolt in the western world. I am not personally offended by the image, but I can sympathise with those who are.

As an extension of this, it bothers me that people attempt to exploit this peaceful reaction to the magazine cover as a jusitification for the superiority of Christianity and western societies. Most people neglect the fact that Christianity and Islam have many similarities, some particular to the same idea of a God or creator.

These people also neglect the cultural tension that exists in the area as contributing factors to the conflict.

This brings me right into my next issue. Danish papers publish cartoons that offend muslims; Muslims burn everything that even smells Danish. Ok. Danes don't back down on principles. Ok. Iranian government plans Holocaust cartoons and release further anti-semitic ideas to support their anti-Israeli platform... What the Fuck????

Where the hell do the jewish fit into this?!?!?!?!?

This is the greatest hypocracy of all. A government which supports Islam as the official religion of Iran openly preaches and encourages such violent displays of hatred and anti-semitism, further claiming the Holocaust as a myth or severe exaggeration.

It truly bothers me when these types of events are strongly influenced by ignorance and intolerance. All of which stemming from a lack of education on these competing cultures and religions as a result of preliminary judgementation.

It frustrates me so much that not only has this cartoon created a conflict, but it seems to be a spark similar to the assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 as the consequences of the action far outweigh the typical reaction. Hopefully our current actions do not escalate to another world war...

This all seems to be a recipe for disaster.

-mix 2 competing cultures in one pot
-boil over high temperatures for 1-3 thousand years
-add 1 anti-semitic dictator
-stir in one tablespoon of an offensive depiction of Mohammed
-add 2 burnt Danish flags
-toss in 3 innocent victims
-simmer over high tension for 1-2 years or until it explodes.

Finally, serve over a bed of oil and wait for the United States to show.

Carpe Diem.

__________________
Feh.