Meredith Hodge
2/27/09
1:22 AM
The screening of a controversial film, “Fitna,” created by a man named Geert Wilders who is a Dutch lawmaker and leader of the right-wing Party for Freedom. Wilders is primarily known for his intense criticism of Islam. He was supposed to be prosecuted according to a Dutch court and was banned by the British Government from entering the country after the screening of his movie. His film is merely 17 minutes long and “opens with a warning about the “very shocking images” it contains,” and contains “video clips of violence and bloodshed committed by Muslims are interspersed with verses from the Koran.” This film features events such as September 11. Wilders upheld his position by stating “I don’t hate Muslims — I hate Islam.”
When looking at the issue of the film itself it obviously offends many people. However, Wilders is entitled to freedom of speech, religion, and his own opinion. Just because we don’t agree with people or view things from the same standpoint we should at least tolerate them. Although Wilders is exercising his personal rights I also believe he could have been more sensitive to others in doing so. Many other people are offended because this video is directed towards them when in all reality everyone is stereotyped and criticized. People may have been offended and whatnot but it seems in some instances they may very well have been blowing this out of proportion.
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/mr-wilders-goes-to-washington/?hp
1 comment:
You are definitely right about exercising his freedom of speech, and if he gave a warning about the "shocking elements" of his film and has tried to make it abundantly clear how he feels about Islam and not Muslims than I don't think he has anything left to say to those who still continue to misunderstand what his message is. It's just like when people burn American flags in other countries, except I don't think they have tried so hard to let us know if they hate us or just what our flag stands for.
Post a Comment