Further Thoughts on the Danish Cartoons
I've given this issue some further thought and have come to the conclusion that Western nations are absolutely and positively hypocritical. I stick to my earlier line that I support free speech and freedom of expression but a small word has recently entered my mind and I have absolutely no idea how I missed it previously. That word is "censorship". Western countries are absolutely notorious for censoring everything so as to conform to conservative, religious or "family" values. Why is it, that in Australia, films and televisions hows are censored for sexual content? Some movies don't even make it here because they are too raunchy. Why is it, that in Australia, people are not allowed to swear on television at certain times of the day? To protect our children, I presume? Why is it, that in Australia, nudity and the human body are absolutely taboo when it comes to broadcasting and should not be depicted in any form of media, unless it's somehow restricted?I know for a fact that this is the same in all Western countries, to varying degrees of course. So why is it, that we deem it necessary to protect our children and our families from sex, nudity and colourful language, things that are absolutely natural to our society when you really think about it. Yet, we do not deem it necessary to protect muslim children and families from seeing their religious and ideological leader defamed and satirised? Wouldn't that cause infinitely more damage? This hypocricy is especially evident in light of recent articles that have pointed out that the same Danish newspaper rejected cartoons satirising Jesus because they were deemed too offensive. And how about Australia? With its support of Danish "free speech" and condemnation of protests in Muslim countries?
"In 1997, there was an exhibition of photographs by American artist Andres Serrano at the National Gallery of Victoria. Many regarded the exhibition as offensive to Christ. Churches and others objected. The Catholic Church sought a court injunction. The objections were strong. A youngster eventually damaged Piss Christ with a hammer, violence was involved. The exhibition was closed.That was our reaction to an exhibition that many people regarded as offensive to their religion." From a The Age Opinion article written by former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.
We are hypocrites and cultural imperalists peddling our own values as absolutely essential and rejecting anything alternative. I still 100% condemn any violence as I believe that protests should be peaceful, but I must say, I absolutely understand the reactions from the Middle East and if Westerners are going to go pleading the values of Free Speech then they should put their money where their mouth is.
Alex
posted by LX @ 1:34 PM
Comments: 6
