The Cartoons

Although Danish papers originally published inciteful cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad several months ago, this issue is just starting to boil over. I want to address a few concerns and outlooks on the matter.

The primary concern here is freedom of speech/press. I worked for a newspaper for nearly four years, and recognize the value of freedom of speech and press. Newspapers and other news outlets serve a very important purpose in society (and could do a better job, but that's another discussion) and should be afforded the luxury of being controversial if needed. Controversy can create action and can serve a constructive role in society. However, newspapers and news outlets do not have the right to purposefully incite violence under the cover of freedom of press. One of the biggest goals of journalists after pursuit of truth is to make sure that they aren't the news. Furthermore, inciting violence instead of discussion no longer serves society a purpose.

Secondly, there are currently laws in most European countries against writing anything anti-Jewish. I'm not questioning these laws, but the very existence of these laws shows that Europeans are conceding that there is a such thing as "unprotected speech" when it comes to religion. I believe Muslims are not off-base in requesting similar cover for taboos in their religion, namely the drawing of any prophet or messenger or God.

Lastly, I want to personally address the millions of Muslims who are protesting in the streets all over the world: "Seriously guys and ladies, where is this outrage when others pervert the teachings of Islam? Where is this rioting and protesting when terrorists start causing innocent people harm in the name of our religion?"

Update: I haven't been able to confirm it, but I hear that the reason the cartoon issue is on the forefront again is because a few Danish clerics drew even more distasteful pictures of the Prophet in order to incite such a storm of protests. If that is the case, then may they all be given a first-class ticket to hell.