It is time to add yet another chapter in the Muhammed caricature saga. Once again Danes lead the way as their People’s Party youth wing is caught ridin’ dirty. The People’s Party is the 3rd most popular in Denmark. You can read more about them here. The videos are available at the end of the article.
It started back in 2005 when Martin K, in association with Wooloo Productions and Defending Denmark, joined the youth faction of the Danish People’s Party. His job to was to study the party and gain a better understanding of their right wing associations. To do this, Martin attended various party meetings over the course of 18 months and videotaped what he could.
In September of 2006, Defending Denmark wanted to confront the Danish People’s Party with the information and video that Martin had acquired. Upon having their entry denied, Defending Denmark gave them one last chance at talks. When they refused, Defending Denmark posted some of the video footage for the entire world to see.
The videos depict what was essentially a cartoon contest among party members. They drew cartoons of a camel wearing the head of Muhammad and beer cans for humps. A second drawing placed a turbaned, bearded man next to a plus sign and a bomb, all equaling a mushroom cloud.
As expected these videos have been taken off most web sites including YouTube. Fortunately I have obtained all four videos. They will remain on this site as they are necessary to understand whatever fallout the Islamic community will unleash.
But more importantly, I want a discussion around this issue and not just a bashing of Denmark and Muslims. Should Muslims see these outlashes at Muhammed as a cry for discussions on Islam and integration and acceptance in Europe. Or should Muslims react the way they have in the past so it doesn’t happen again. Is there more to these cartoons than just the act of insulting a "prophet"?
Related posts:
- Muhammed Caricatures Spark Violence
- Muslim Protesters Working Up Their Appetite At Danish Embassy
- You Can’t Handle The Truth For Youth
must remember to use the preview button next time…
The first two lines are the quote, the rest is my own.
Are you sure these are examples of religious motivated violence committed by christians?
Oh quite sure. Asuming you haven’t been following the general new for the past few years:
Ireland:
http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/christian/blfaq_viol_northernireland.htm
Iraq:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_war_in_Iraq
Indonesia:
http://www.contenderministries.org/articles/indonesia.php
And i’m quite sure you can find the rest yourself using google “[Country] Christian violence”
Of course, that is after we ignore the worldwide bombing of abortion clinics, the abuse of homosexuals and all the things priests do with little boys.
To be honest I really dont have the energy. I follow the news and don’t hear a lot about christians doing christs work with violence. The “bombing of abortion clinics” is getting REALLY old.
I’ll give you the conflict in Ireland and the random attacks on homosexuals.
The indonesian link tell of a muslim attack by the way. We all know that happens.
”…I follow the news and don’t hear a lot about christians doing Christ’s work with violence…” -Corso
Hi Corso,
Maybe it’s high time you asked yourself who call the shots in global media circles. They either downplay or completely ignore the news if it’s too damning to Christianity. But one thing we can’t run away from is the grim fact that the problem of religious intolerance will consume us all if we don’t contain it. It’s as big and as old as history. It doesn’t matter if you believe in one, many or no God at all. It affects humanity as a whole just like global warming or the prospect of nuclear war.
Your role is not to fan the ambers of hate by deliberate provocation, but to objectively understand what makes who tick. Or just be a dispassionate observer.
Don’t you think humans will always find ways to wage war on and persecute one another even if there were no such thing as religion?
Observer:
“Maybe it’s high time you asked yourself who call the shots in global media circles. They either downplay or completely ignore the news if it’s too damning to Christianity.”
If the global news doesn’t report christian violence, how do you know it happens and that the press is keeping it secret?
“Your role is not to fan the ambers of hate by deliberate provocation, but to objectively understand what makes who tick. Or just be a dispassionate observer.”
Maybe its high time you stop telling me what my role is.
I for one will not stop stating my honest opinion no matter how much that “tick” anybody. that does not mean I don’t understand what makes them tick – it’s just not that important.
Where do you think your precious world would be today if anyone can stop critisizm by simply being offended?
“Don’t you think humans will always find ways to wage war on and persecute one another even if there were no such thing as religion?”
Of course – and we would also find ways to wage war if there were no such thing as disputes over borders – so why try to avoid them?
Corso: ”If the global news doesn’t report christian violence, how do you know it happens and that the press is keeping it secret?”
Look harder at my earlier comment. I say ”they either DOWNPLAY or COMPLETELY IGNORE the news…†And I should add that objective reporting now depends who or what is making the headlines.
”Maybe its high time you stop telling me what my role is”
Don’t underestimate what positive ROLE you can play to make the world a better place.
”’What makes them tick…it’s just not that important”
If it’s not that important, why so much frenzy the world over? Why do you ‘waste’ your time commenting on the issue? Come on! You can do better than that!
”Where do you think your precious world would be today if anyone can stop critisizm by simply being offended?”
Our precious world would have remained in the Stone Age without OBJECTIVE, IMPERSONAL, CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. On the other hand, targeting a people based on color, creed, ideology, belief or partisanship can only heighten tension, increase insecurity, mistrust and the desire to undo one another.
”Of course – and we would also find ways to wage war if there were no such thing as disputes over borders – so why try to avoid them?”
One cannot completely avoid conflict, however one tries. As long as people live together, there’s bound to be conflict. But its management and resolution should be our occupation, not its escalation.
You say there are people in the media circles that call the shots. As I understand english this means jounalists deciding what comes out and what is not. I asked you how you knew this and you said I should look more closely to what you wrote. Perhaps I am stupid but I give up.
“Don’t underestimate what positive ROLE you can play to make the world a better place.”
Ok. Good thing I am playing a positive role then.
“If it’s not that important, why so much frenzy the world over? Why do you ‘waste’ your time commenting on the issue? Come on! You can do better than that!”
Probably. What I meant was that freedom of speech is more important than what makes people tick. I am not wasting my time but supporting free speech because of the frenzy in the world. Hope you understand now.
“Our precious world would have remained in the Stone Age without OBJECTIVE, IMPERSONAL, CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.”
Yes.
“On the other hand, targeting a people based on color, creed, ideology, belief or partisanship can only heighten tension”
Two things.
1) The cartoons were brought because of religious intimidation. A widespread fear among artists to draw Muhammed made a newspaper print them. That is not targeting, that is defending. The fact that about 200 people has lost their lifes so far because of those drawings makes a strong argument for that point of view.
2) Yes you make the world more insecure if you do such things like standing up against pressure instead of simply accepting the sharia law which prohibit portraits of a certain historical person on danish ground.
In the long run security will come with a price which I am not willing to pay.
“As long as people live together, there’s bound to be conflict. But its management and resolution should be our occupation, not its escalation.”
Lets take a look at history. In the 1930´s there were to kind of views on Hitler and Germany.
1) Hitler is building up his army even though Germany are bound by treaty not to. We must stand up to this and stop him.
2) Hitler is building up his army, but for the sake of world peace we should look the other way this time and avoid escalation and conflict.
Which one of these do you have?
By the way and just to save time for both of us. I am not saying the muslims are going to invade Poland. It´s simply an example from history.
I’m not into comparing religions or their people, but, i believe there are some kind of general rules, to live peacefully in a multi-race, multi-religion, multi-opinion, multi-everything world. This rules, while not clearly written like in the movie “I, Robot” (the three rules), are considered, or assumed, learned thru time and trials and errors, until at some point, we people achieved “balanced” state.
This “rules” is my opinion only. Please forgive me if they’re not complete. They’re only “general” rules, examples.
1. The Bible, The Qur’an, or whatever religion books out there, was simply written by their own prophets to be a guidance FOR-THE-FOLLOWER. (or the believer) (or the participants). If you’re not a believer of the bible, then the blessing and the curses of the bible don’t apply to you. Much like the bible don’t apply to the atheist. Much like the bible don’t apply to the moslems. Much like the qur’an don’t apply to the christians.
2. Therefore, people SHOULD NOT enforce their religion-based rewards and punishments, to NON BELIEVER.
3. However, people should learn that they’re not alone in this world, their religion is not alone in this multi-everything world. To live peacefully, people should be respecting each other, including, but not limited to, respecting other religion. (or other culture).
4. However, if any disgrace or disrespectful things happen, or whatever sounds bad happens, please go back to rule 2. Do not punish other people, especially from other religion, for your holly book only apply to you and fellow believer only.
5. These rules stand as a guidance for THE PRACTICE OF MULTI-RELIGIONS peacefully. Violation of any of these rules will not only destroy the “peacefull” part, but also destroy the “practicing religion” part.
Let’s count out (ignore) the killing culture (which is actually allowed in the qur’an) (which, although questionable to be humane, but as a cultre is to be respected by other religion, following rule 3, as long as the killing only affects fellow moslem, following rule 2).
When a non-moslem draws the picture of Muhammad in a sinister way, it is violating rule 3. But, when a moslem tries to kill the artist (the qur’an way of punishing, as confirmed by islamic leaders by their “sentence to death” punishment statement, even by giving rewards like in India), it is violating rule 2.
In the end, in my humble opinion, both parties are required to grow up, to learn from this clash.
Non-moslems, please respect their culture, do not draw Muhammad again. Why don’t we write/draw/joke about ourself. You know what, if i say something bad about myself, people laugh with me. But if i say something bad about others, in the end people with laugh at me. So make joke about ourself, not others.
On the other side, moslems, please grow up. Can’t you take jokes? Ok it’s irritating, but we all know that Jesus is being blasphemed all around the modern world and those real christians were only smiling wisely, knowing that it’s not their job to punish them or taking any action (legal or not) against them. It’s their job to love-them-anyway. Knowing that if GOD is so real for them, GOD will do the judgement at the right time, not them. You can learn to be better and wiser than these christians, can’t you?
I’m sorry this reply turns out to be so long.
Peace.
InAPerfectWorld — I have a question for you. You said “To live peacefully, people should be respecting each other, including, but not limited to, respecting other religion. (or other culture).” Okay, I can see where you’re coming from there (I think, unless I am totally off my rocker here), but I have a question that involves extremes (a habit of mine; I like to test propositions by taking them to their extremes and seeing where they break): Suppose there were a culture — and there are plenty in history to choose from — that had as a cultural imperative the destruction of other cultures and/or religions. Now, of course, those of another culture would have to defend themselves against these monsters in human disguise . . . but would you maintain that the defenders must respect the agressors?
As far as your post being long, you should see some of the others . . . ummmm, including some of mine, I’m afraid ().
I have been taught never to make fun of any religion taught to respect all religions . and what i have been taught is right but i wouldnt like it if someone got up and made fun of my religion when i respect theirs whaat right does he / she have to make fun of mine People should have an open mind not just think of a story from one angle but think it from all angles / why cant you people understand and not offend other who have not harmed you ? the people who have harmed are not muslims they are outcasts using islams name to frame islam
I’ve been taught to respect, but not whatever retarded, archaic belief they hold. I’ve been taught to critically examine everything, and not take things for granted, such as religious people do.
I do not see why I should respect anyone’s beliefs, as long as they are completely unfounded and have no bearing on reality.
Organised Religion especially, deserves no respect, as it has brought humanity nothing but trouble and has hindered our development as species. If you want me to respect your beliefs, show me a reason why I should.
I’m getting mighty tired of the whole religion-taboo. Lets throw the beliefs on the table, pick them apart and discuss them, lets get rid of this rediculous taboo that states we can’t be critical of religion.
Please visit the channels investigateislam and muhammadtubecom in Youtube. Really cool
I came in late, I know, but I must put my two cents in.
In order to get respect, one must give respect, alcari. Stands to reason. It is like the belief of freedom of speech. The whole ‘Even though I do not believe in what you say, I will defend your right to say it.’ Why can’t this apply to freedom of religion? Why can’t religious people openly believe and practice their religion without your respect? If you believe in freedom of speech, then you should believe in freedom of religion. Meaning, you should respect other people’s religion not because you believe in the religion but you feel the other person have the right to hold onto his religion. Hence, respect.
You don’t have to believe in it. You don’t have to support it. But all we need is your respect about our religion. Meaning, if you clearly insulted our religion, it is a form of disrespect. Islam strongly forbids the portrayal of Muhammad because we fear idolatry. Allah is the one God, not Muhammed. However, the Danish media completely ignored this and went ahead and post those cartoons and for what? Just to fill an empty slot on a page of a newspaper? It is disrespect. The thoughtless action behind it angered many because it shows how much weight you actually considered before publishing the pictures. And now, the Danish media is surprised with the amount of negative feedback? It’s called responsible journalism, people.
Somebody up there (I can’t be bothered to scroll up to know the username) said that people with organized religion should keep it to themselves. Maybe you should be the example of that by doing the same. You don’t agree with the principles of any religion? Why don’t you keep the thought to yourself? However, people are always communicating so it is almost impossible for a person to keep their strong point of view to themselves. This applies to everyone including atheists and religious people.
I am a Muslim and I am offended by the cartoons. So, if I criticized the Danish media, it is MY RIGHT to say it. All the other Muslims who demanded an apology from the newspaper and whoever is involved has the right to express themselves. Freedom of speech, no?
Oh and to clear the misconception: Muhammed is the Prophet of Allah and the messenger of Islam, yes. But Islam existed before Muhammad. Muhammad is the last and the most important prophet in Islam but he is, of course, not the first. Muslims believe in the event of Adam and Eve. Yes, we do. Hence, the first Prophet, as do all Muslims believe, is actually Adam. It is written in the Qur’an. Apart from Adam and Muhammad, we also believe in the existence of other prophets like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Jesus and such. Yes, many things that Muslims believe in are linked or similar to the beliefs of Christians.
i dont understand from where u all get sooo much of time to write all trash about each other….n their religions…….jus go to a pub, drink chilled beer n have fun…..donk cook ur brains for something u cant change atleast individually….cheers
gacb4j1ok3nodza2
Hua what chaitanya says is damn true…..Take a chill pill lah…argue2 also for what???As the saying goes “one man’s meat is another man’s poison”….no use changing it…so take a chill pill….
I don’t understand europe people, why always make trouble in world…
Whats up, this is ideal report. I really loved. Nevertheless there are plenty of off topic comments. I actually suggest you to remove or something like that. That’s only my opinion. Good luck!