Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World - What makes muslims laugh? I dunno but it certainly isn't satire. If a series of cartoons in a Danish (or was it Norwegian) newspaper could raise such a furor, it makes you wonder - how many of those protestors have actually SEEN the cartoons? But then hey, how many read the Satanic Verses before baying for Rushdie's blood?The Ed of the newspaper refuses to apologise, the office workers have been issued death threats, there have been bomb scares and muslims worldwide are turning their collective noses up at Danish cheese. Many venerable institutions including the Washington Post and The New York Times have depicted Jesus, not always in the best of light.
I believe in a free press, though lately even that has taken some beating. Sure, there is no such thing as free press but surely the editorial is entitled to its opinions. But then again, I could be wrong. It's a no-win situation.
So what is the big deal about these cartoons? I scoured the net and this is the best I could get -"The cartoons include portrayal of the prophet wearing a time bomb shaped turban and show him as a wild-eyed, knife-wielding Bedouin flanked by two women shrouded in black."
Traditionally Islam bans the depiction of the prophet as it could lead to idolatry. But apparently this is not what has our fellow Muslims pissed off. Meanwhile 'Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World' will take a lot of looking..
The Boston Globe Editorial is worth a read. Check it out
4 comments:
Hmm,I've been musing over this whole incident myself.I doubt that community can see the humour, and I doubt the Danish press meant offence.Don't want to judge either.But the uproar makes me wonder if there is any rational thinking left.
Anyway, thanks for dropping by.See you around.Cheers.
Lots of controversy and your blog was the first place that I actually saw the cartoon. Kudos for tracking it down and thanks for sharing.
I look at it this way.
The paper had the freedom to publish something that IS offensive. ( The original pic is derisive. And the text shows him shouting at a suicide bomber : "dont do it, we have run out of virgins") in crass reference to Islamic myth about jihaadis getting virgins in heaven.
It had the freedom, and should have used discretion. Did not.
Now the protestors have the freedom. And should exercise restraint@ burning down. They do not.
Too bad, so sad no ? And they are comparable. The paper outraged their mindspace.They are attacking the physical stuff.
Whether it is good or bad is not the point. The point is that the paper knew it would be violently opposed. They went ahead in the name of some "freedom of press". Well, call it road tax.
PC or not, I find it difficult to gather any sympathy for them.
Hi Rama
Thanks for stopping by. This is the first time that even I was able to see the infamous cartoon. Just as a well wisher, I suggest you take it down. You never know how things can get out of control around here. Maybe you can put it back up when things have cooled down a bit about this issue?
Andy.
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