On August 19, a Swedish newspaper featured a caricature of the Muslim Prophet Muhammed. The Swedish artist, Lars Vilks, drew Muhammed's head on a dog's body. This drawing is one of a series of controversial images produced by Vilks, whose work has already been denied by at least two Swedish art galleries. "Last year, violent protests broke out in Muslim countries after caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad — including one showing him wearing a turban shaped as a bomb — were published in several European newspapers." In response to Vilk's most current caricature, Pakistan has summoned Swedish diplomat Lennart Holst to protest the art's publication in a Swedish newspaper. "'Holst said that the (Swedish) government cannot interfere with media freedom.'" A demonstration has already been organized to appear outside Nerikes Allehanda office in Orebro where the meeting between Pakistan officials and Swedish diplomat Lennart Holst is to take place today. In an interview, Vilks said, "'This (the drawings) is art. ... I'm not against Islam. Everybody knows that.'"
As members of a hugely diverse human race, we must all be consistently conscious of how others perceive what we say and do. Our thoughts and opinions as we voice them verbally or nonverbally affect everyone around us. Moreover, our nationally published thoughts and opinions have a great impact on people all around the world. The discussion with this article comes down to a few simple questions: How do we respect others' religions and beliefs while still voicing our own opinion about them? How do we address what we may consider problems in religions, cultures, social groups, etc. without insulting the members of those particular groups? Should artists and publishers be more cautious about who they may offend with a caricature or cartoon or article, or should "media freedom" be emphasized and readers be able to accept what is someone else's opinion whether they agree or not?
While I empathize with Muslims who were offended by Vilks' caricature of the Prophet Muhammed, I understand the need for a free press and for an audience's ability to understand that another person's opinion is not law but simply his or her opinion. I have learned to accept others' criticism of or joking about my religion and my beliefs because that is the society we live in, everyone comments on everything anymore; however, I know not to take everyone seriously and certainly not to take offense to someone's disagreeing with me. But Islam is an entirely different religion and culture. We all have to be conscious of the fact that the whole world does not understand our sense of humor, that some people might actually be offended if you make a caricature of their religious leader as half-dog. We all just have to be aware of others.
The Associated Press
30 August 2007
International Herald Tribune
Stockholm, Sweden
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/30/europe/EU-GEN-Sweden-Pakistan-Prophet-Drawings.php
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