Cartoons -- Freedom or Ridicule?

It is unfortunate that in recent times each time there is a flare up of feeling between Muslims and media we completely miss the point.Like estranged couples we do not understand that what is being said on each side is perceived in a different manner on other.

I am a Muslim , but I am trying to be objective and try to explain what is happening . On Muslim side it is not perceived as a freedom of expression issue.Probably rightly so as the objection is not against criticizing Islam . .No body will object if there is a criticism of Islam on grounds of woman rights, or method of government, or in any manner in which a person or an institution think of deficiencies in Islam in their perception and so forth .If some body object to this kind of criticism then it is certainly a matter of freedom of expression if a body of people or state ask a news paper or scholar not to criticize .

In our society we can say about sensitive issues in sensitive manner.The problem is hence not about criticism but when that boders on ridicule. And that’s how this cartoon is perceived as not some one crusting Islam but ridiculing it.

Citing an example is if some scholar questions the total figure of Holocaust that will be acceptable but can we imagine a cartoon about Holocaust ?

Recent prince Harry stunt as Nazi was similarly frowned upon because it was considered a ridicule. Most of the Muslims perceive a cartoon of their prophet as ridicule .

Secondly the context is important , there is Iraq war going on , about 25000 civilians have died including children, in Palestine we see images of small children young adults as victims of a conflict , sexual ridicule of abu gharib and so many other conflicts through out the world.There are very graphic pictures in Muslim media, and Muslim Psyche.On top of this the perception of gross injustice, with western powers manipulating and invading countries for oil. In this context when you hear about a comic picture of some one you love dearly then it is not difficult that how they perceived it as an intended insult.

Think of a cartoon of moses now , while the same cartoon in the time of concentration camps when Jews were detained and gassed, and it being published at that time.Context definitely make it difference.Jews would have been grieved by it rather then amused.

On western side it is perceived as a freedom of speech issues.Again context is important, we donnot take this as isolated issue , we are perceiving it in context of honor killing , satanic verses, 7/7, 9//11, Iran nuclear issue,oil rich despots threatening blockade while politically correct gut less politicians not taking a stand or recent HAMAS victory.

I think there is need for each side to take this as an isolated issue, too much of context at times is over estimation of other party’s intent.we are probably reading too much between the lines. Western News paper should take it as a similar issue like Holocaust , even probably we can devise a sensitivity index called Holocaust index.

Similar Muslim should understand that there is no conspiracy going on from media, they should register their anger in a peaceful manner rather then augmenting the stereotype images of mob of Muslim against the freedom of expression.Which will serve no body’s purpose.

In summary , western readers should think of it as holocaust , for Muslim it is a sensitive issue, like prince Harry in Nazi gear, a joke but still hurt ful for others.

Context makes a difference , a moses cartoon in concentration camps in 1944 is different now when there is peace and state of Israel.

Both sides should take it as an isolated issue , not to read too much between the lines , remember that’s how estranged couple never patch up.