Are their any limits to Freedom of Speech?

The cartoons depicting the Prophet in dim light in the Danish daily Jyllands-Posten has moved on from a problem of highly erroneous editing to a new “War of the Worlds”. The question at the heart of the issue is – Is there a line that must not be crossed when religious sentiments are involved? The answer to the question may seem simple but the fact remains it is far more complicated than one may imagine. The anti-Semitism of the centuries is now being seen for Islam. But is Islam too sensitive? Or is it similar for all religions. There have been numerous cases when Hindu Gods have been adorned on slippers, bikinis and even toilet seats by “creative” designers. As expected there has been a huge outcry by Hindu religious bodies against such insensitive depictions. However, there is a distinct difference between how religions of the West and those of the East differ as to the limit they are willing to go in the name of humour or freedom of expression. Christians are more open to different interpretations and representations of Jesus. Comics show him smoking pot or even being lampooned in popular cult movies. Are they more tolerant or less God fearing? The answer is open to different interpretations. Similarly, the jokes on Jews have been the precursors to Sikh Sardarji jokes and Blond jokes. However, this level of resentment as seen in the Prophet cartoons is rare.

I wonder what was the need to publish cartoons that knowingly depict the Prophet Muhammad the way they did. Further what was the need to re-publish the cartoons in other European dailies? This at a time when the Islamic extremists keep harping on the issue of foreign invasion of Muslim holy lands. They will show this episode as another example of the West’s disregard for Islam and the current “Crusades”. It was highly shortsighted on part of the Editors to have gone ahead with the reprints. Their argument that freedom of expression is something that they take pride in. Well, I ask them what is the cost of this freedom? More strife, militants hunting down foreign nationals in places like Gaza and Baghdad? Further, is it worth risking their troops lives in the various war frontlines as they become renewed targets for extremists after seeing such depictions of their gods?

There is also the question of tolerance. Islam must realize that they must become more tolerant towards what people say about their religion. As Islam spreads rapidly to Europe, there are going to be “tolerant” and secular societies that raise questions on Islam and its interpretations. Issuing Fatwa after Fatwa is certainly not the solution, neither is extremism, the answer is taking a more moderate view of how they are perceived in the West.

In the end it is the imperative of every society to play its role in maintaining religious harmony in the world. One may be an athiest, like myself, but there are sentimenst and lives that are invloved and they must be respected. We live in dangerous times and the clash of civilizations may sound like a glamorous term to use, its full implication is far scarier than anyone can imagine.