The Cartoon Riots Are Quite Animated
Bruce Collins
February 17, 2006
A few weeks ago, a Danish editorialist drew a cartoon that greatly offended the Muslim world.
Anyone who has lived a life of faith (or tried to) would understand hurt and angry emotions spilling out from the recipients of the attack.
Yes, recipients.
For when someone pledges their life to a cause or a belief, they become part of said cause or belief. They become a victim of sorts when any critical analysis comes their way.
However, nothing can justify the violence that has poured out across the world.
By comparison here in the United States, when a television show or the media poke fun at Judeo-Christian values (which happens quite a bit, I might add), there may be a boycott or some type of petition passed among the brethren at various churches but rarely do you see 'all out' riots and murders over the 'attack'.
In context, this was a cartoon, after all. I see many cartoons in the United States that attack my faith, my race, my gender, my political party and my sensibilities. In response, I won't be 'hitting the streets' anytime soon with a weapon.
Perhaps the cartoon went over the line or perhaps the Muslim world is not used to freedom of speech as we are.
Regardless, the Muslim people are doing one thing that the cartoon could never do.
They are either exposing or destroying the credibility of their belief system.
Before you write me hate mail, remember, I didn't do it.
They did.
Anyone who has lived a life of faith (or tried to) would understand hurt and angry emotions spilling out from the recipients of the attack.
Yes, recipients.
For when someone pledges their life to a cause or a belief, they become part of said cause or belief. They become a victim of sorts when any critical analysis comes their way.
However, nothing can justify the violence that has poured out across the world.
By comparison here in the United States, when a television show or the media poke fun at Judeo-Christian values (which happens quite a bit, I might add), there may be a boycott or some type of petition passed among the brethren at various churches but rarely do you see 'all out' riots and murders over the 'attack'.
In context, this was a cartoon, after all. I see many cartoons in the United States that attack my faith, my race, my gender, my political party and my sensibilities. In response, I won't be 'hitting the streets' anytime soon with a weapon.
Perhaps the cartoon went over the line or perhaps the Muslim world is not used to freedom of speech as we are.
Regardless, the Muslim people are doing one thing that the cartoon could never do.
They are either exposing or destroying the credibility of their belief system.
Before you write me hate mail, remember, I didn't do it.
They did.
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