Monday, February 06, 2006
Cartoons Are Cartoons
Amazing, the turmoil in the Islamic world about the cartoons that first appeared in Jyllands Posten, Denmark, in September 2005. What do we know about the press in predominantly Muslim nations and its treatment of other people's faiths ? How does it deal with Christians, Jews, Hindus ? The Muslims don't have to look at cartoons that depict the prophet; they can stop buying the publications; they can stop advertising in them. But what they are doing and demanding cannot and must not be condoned. Burning of embassies will not advance their cause. European governments should not surrender to frenzied mobs. Censorship, whether mandated or self-imposed, is a slippery slope.
Martin Rowson's cartoon in today's Guardian, UK, is very telling.
