The publication of 12 cartoons depicting Muhammad in the Danish conservative daily newspaper Jyllads Posten with re-publications around the globe raged Muslim communities all over the world. Accompanied by an article on self-censorship and freedom of speech it was meant to highlight the difficulty experienced by Danish writer Kåre Bluitgen in finding artists to illustrate his children’s book about Muhammad. Instead, it took the form of an international crisis leading to death, violence, and protests. As of March 2, 2006, at least 139 people have been killed in the protests. Deaths have been mainly in Nigeria, Libya, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Critics have differed in their views, some stating the cartoons to be culturally offensive. While others support the cartoons claiming there are similar cartoons about other religions. At variance that Islam and its followers have been targeted though the consequence of the publication turned violent. It sure did trigger questions on freedom of expression within a radically transforming world. Self-censorship that we so often practice informed with numerous sectarian considerations.
In a world as religiously, culturally and politically diverse as ours, expressions of thoughts are sure to clash. But this cannot encourage us as members of a particular stream of thought to endorse taboos compatible to our faith on others. Secular forms of emerging democracies are demanding more freedom in expression. Freedom of speech is being perceived as limitless. Sensitive issues are being encouraged to tackle.
By contrast, it does not mean that freedom to publish things mean you publish everything. Pornographic pictures are never encouraged. Censorship on press is however not the solution. Things in newspapers often offend us. Be it photos of war in Iraq, transcripts of speeches by terrorists. This should not be an excuse to manipulate the press. Demanding a special position in the press with considerations to our beliefs is incompatible with present-day democracy. We must be ready to put up with insults and mockery. Satire cannot be interpreted as treachery.
A constructive bond among the press, public and decision makers is the need of the hour. Any misunderstanding initiated by the press should be given a platform to justify. Decision makers with effective long-term programs must make viewpoints from both sides accessible, erasing controversies, opening the door for reconciliation. To call for censorship is only a totalitarian urge with more demands soon to follow. Freedom of speech can never be replaced by any law.
Well this isn’t by me..but my sister’s assignment. who loves to state the obvious lie i.e She the bachha is 20 yrs my junior!!! Look at the baby’s mind….child prodigee?..Something to think abt….N yeah don’t go..Oh she is so concerned abt press freedom..who wouldn’t be..when u are pursuing a career in media it..Hahaha.! Doin her BMS..find that for urself.
