Where is the limit?
The 'cartoon incident' triggered a series of violant acts against embassies of europian nations in which the cartoon was printed. Protests against this comic and the disrespect for other peoples believes (the comic is the peak of this disrespect) now engulf the globe. The question is were is the limit? Were do we reach the point at which we should say this is too much we should not say or print this?
1 comment:
The freedom of speech is one of our basic freedoms and should not be limited or restricted. On the other side being respectful of other people and recognize their freedom of speech and religion is essential for living together not only in close relationships and in our own community but also in the greater sense of living in a global community.
The question is how to deal with fanatics who are not willing to deal within reason. Somebody whose reactions and actions are determined by fanatacism can not be reached by logic. And more worse this person can not step back and have a look at the issue from a distance. ( not to talk about humour at all )
Should fear then lead the decision making process? Should fear restrict the freedom of speech? What can put a different perspective to things going on in the world if we limit our means of expression?
Cartoons can be satirical, critical, funny, tasteless, stupid, ... but the put a finger on the point. And we know if it put a finger in the wound when the reaction boils over.
Cartoons are not discussions. They don't go into depths. They put a spot light onto something.
We need the freedom of expression and cannot afford to giving up parts of it because somebody doesn't like it. There is always somebody who doesn't like the point of view of somebody else. So, closing the circle: it is important to respect others and at the same time to put things into perspective. A cartoon is not a personal attack. I didn't like the cartoons being printed in the Arabian world - but I don't want to burn down the next ambassy.
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