Anything else would be caving into religious censorship!!

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/mar2006/corr-m03.shtml

It took awhile to perfect.

another view on the story here…
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121797979078815073.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

when the fatwa comes, hide me?

“we do need some controversies to play out and the clash over free expression to happen so that people understand the boundaries. We can’t expect Muslims, or any religious minority, to like what is being said, but we can expect them to protest peacefully

As an artist … I know art is a reflection of society.
Like -reality is seen and an attempt to project back through what ever medium is made. It is meant to invoke thought and feeling in others. Is that what people protest? Being made to think and feel?
Maybe there is a difference between free “speech” and “expression”.

normal self-censorship comes back into play
Why does the argument always seem to be how to keep things the same? When people have a deep conviction to anything I assume they know the truth, or they should before putting it on display… the goal of philosophy is to find the truth….how do I self-censor- myself? That would mean I would have to stop asking why..

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-we-need-to-stop-being-such-cowards-about-islam-894361.html

Looks like a similar case, so my reponse would be the same.

Is there a suggestion that that story in the Telegraph originated from a press release?

And this one is no different.

Don:
As for it being peculiarly a problem with islam, in the UK no other religious group makes plausible threats of violence but elsewhere in the world it is rather more of a free for all.

Well… this isn’t strictly true. Hindus and Sikhs aren’t any more tolerant to religious insults, believe it or not. I know this from personal experience, and in India there’s controversy every other day when a Sikh or Hindu mob goes on the rampage.

I’m not denying there need to be more controversies around free speech, though I do think atheists don’t necessarily understand the mentality of religious people all that well.

What do you think of this? Don, especially interested to know what you think, given your response

But in the current case of the publishers’ self-censorship it is more a matter of having so internalised the threat that a hysterical phone call from a self-serving academic is enough to have a book spiked. That sends the clearest possible signal that bullying works.

There was no suggestion that courtesy or consideration were factors – just fear. Fear even without a threat, fear that it’s the muslims.

It’s this kind of pusillanimity which gives fresh impetus to the rage-boys and their handlers, just when, as you say, it seems that people are moving on from that approach there comes apparent evidence that it works. Do it often enough and eventually you won’t need to do it at all.

As for it being peculiarly a problem with islam, in the UK no other religious group makes plausible threats of violence but elsewhere in the world it is rather more of a free for all. Given the right socio-political conditions any religion will play that card, which is why that card must always be picked up, torn into little pieces and thrown back in their faces.

But can I say that there is a lot humorous material in extremist evangelist churches (Jesus camp, anyone?)

Ravi -

I wasn’t aware that anyone had received death threats over ‘Jesus Camp’.

I take it that the ‘ease’ of ‘pot shots’ was a comment about reaction to, rather than intrinsic humour of, criticism of a particular religion.

clearly some religions are easier to take a pot shot at, without, as it were, expecting a pot shot in return.”

In your comment, meaning Islam, right? I disagree. Hinduism is also great

After the Danish cartoon incident and Salmon Rushdie, it is slightly disingenuous to compare writing “non-authorised” Islam books, with pretty much every other religion. I agree with Sunny in that this is a necessary debate, but one that is special relevant in Islam.

In your comment, meaning Islam, right? I disagree. Hinduism is also great for cheap shots, and people do have a go. In terms of responses to jokes/caricatures/etc in ‘poor taste’, I would say that it’s more the political climate rather than the religion itself.

However, although Muslims have not cornered the market in violent intimidation (Bezhti being a case in point), clearly some religions are easier to take a pot shot at, without, as it were, expecting a pot shot in return.

Didn’t the man behind Jerry Springer, which caused no end of loud, if peaceful, protest, recently say he wouldn’t do the same with respect to Islam? I can’t believe it’s for lack of burqha jokes.