SOHNN
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2/13/2008 3:03:10 PM
---- Updated 2/13/2008 3:08:26 PM
Freedom of Expression and religion......
I have always supported freedom of expression. However, it seems like certain powers determine what ought, and ought not to be accepted as freedom of expression.
Take for instance the cartoon by Kurt Westergaard, depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad wearing a bomb-shell instead of the usual head band. The world over (except the Muslim world) has constantly viewed the publication of that cartoon as freedom of the press, and this publication was only prohibited by violent protests and a couple of deaths from the Muslims.
Take another example; the holocaust. Anybody who speaks against the holocaust risks being considered an outcast, or even jailed, let alone a newspaper that publishes articles against the holocaust.
Why do some powers consider “undermining Muhammad” as freedom of expression, while “undermining the holocaust” provocative? Why does the west dictate to the rest of the world what ought to be considered freedom of expression? Is this not another form of slavery by the west; it is no wonder there are many revolutions trying to free themselves?
Well, someone recently asked me whether I would not be provoked by people who “deny slavery”. Anybody can deny whatever they want to deny and accept whatever they want to accept, as long as my life is not threatened.
Let us all be just and fair to all. We should be fair to the jews to the same extent we are fair to the Muslims. Let us not condone provocation of the Muslims and condemn provocation of the Jews, and other groups.
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Holo Lukaloa
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2/13/2008 5:23:38 PM
I agree with your basic thesis here but there really is no comparison between mischaracterizing Muslims or any race or creed in a negative way and trying to claim a terrible event in the history of the world didn't happen. Mischaracterizing people in contemptible ways falls under the scope of freedom of expression, and that is a pretty ugly expression, I might add, however it's mostly an opinion issue, be it an ignorant opinion. On the other hand rewriting history and spreading completely false information for purposes of propaganda is not the same thing as having a bigoted opinion. One is utter ignorance, the other is misrepresentation of fact.
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