Cartoons: Tolerance and Freedom of Speech
April 22, 2008
The recent controversy over cartoons depicting the Muslim Prophet Mohammed has prompted serious questions about the responsibilities that come with freedom of the press and how particular religious beliefs should be respected within democratic, pluralistic societies.
Background information and related articles in the news
Early in March, newspapers throughout Europe reprinted cartoons of the prophet Mohammed originally published in Denmark two years ago. In 2006, the publishing of these cartoons caused an uproar in some Muslim communities around the world. According to Islam, images of the prophet Mohammed are forbidden. A wave of protests in Muslim communities has followed the reprinting of the Danish cartoons. Most recently, Osama bin Laden has threatened retaliation on European cities where the cartoons have been published.
"Q&A: The Muhammad cartoons row," (BBC News February 7, 2006)
"Cartoons, Religion and Free Speech - A Global Perspective," (The Globalist,February 8, 2006)
"Depicting Mohammed: Why I'm offended by the Danish cartoons of the prophet," by Reza Aslan (Slate,February 8, 2006)
"Why I Published Those Cartoons," by Flemming Rose (The Washington Post, February 19, 2006)
"Cartoons protester found guilty," (BBC News,January 31, 2007)
"Newspapers reprint Prophet Mohammed cartoon," (CNN, February 13, 2008)
"A Danish Illustrator's Life in Hiding," by Manfred Ertel (Spiegel Online International,February 29, 2008)
"Outrage over cartoons still trying for Danes," by Michael Kimmelman (The International Tribune,March 20, 2008)
"Bin Laden warns EU over Prophet cartoons," by Inal Ersan (Reuters,March 20, 2008)
Discussion Questions:
- What is the line between freedom of speech and freedom of religion? How should governments and individuals respond when one person's speech violates someone else's religious beliefs?
- When, if ever, does a cartoon become a form of hate speech?
- What are the responsibilities that come with freedom of the press?
- When you are offended by something you've read, what are the best ways to respond?
- Are there certain types of responses to offensive statements that shouldn't be tolerated?
- In a civil society, what are the ways for people who feel victimized to express their outrage?
- How can an event like "The Danish Cartoon Incident" be used to build understanding between groups rather than promote divisions?
