I'm not one for political comment but something is truly wrong with this picture. Those who believe in Islam are upset by cartoons and have taken to rioting and threatening behaviours. Those that choose another option are citing Freedom of Speech. The sides are drawn. The images are portrayed in the media, so we watch the TV where there are adverts for products, we read the newspapers, where again there are adverts and we read the articles on the internet where guess again there are adverts. We read blogs to get an alternative grass roots view and again adverts.
These two pictures can paint a powerful fearful image which makes you feel fearful. This fear then becomes important to you so you pay close attention to your latest worry and yes you subscribe to the various flavours of media to get an idea of "What's going on". You form your view of where you stand on the subject and you side with your chosen team. If you believe in Islam then I guess you've painted your banner and are hitting the streets to go cause a bit of chaos, "it's ok it's my view and I'm going to use violent slogans to express myself" (erm isn't that freedom of speech). Whilst the media continue to say this is all to do with freedom of speech (and a double edged sword).
If freedom of speech is to say whatever is on your mind and using whatever medium you choose then there are no losers in this issue. Cartoons offend and the rebuttal is that of violent expression. Objectively, they are both examples of freedom of speech but in this instance the media is portraying a bad guy and a good guy.... Good vs Evil. The battle lines are drawn and once again it's a case of us versus them (whichever side you are on).
The only winners will be (in our economy) those that make the most money from the interest this issue causes by sensationalising something that happened.
Fear is newsworthy and images play a large and emotional part in the equation but overall it acts to further differentiate one religion, one group of people, one country, one viewpoint from another. Conflict sells and people will watch this issue until something else comes along. If things get out of hand there is the excuse that "We are protecting our rights: Islam/Freedom of speech".
By commenting on this subject I am furthering it's lifespan, adding more bytes to the debate and my viewpoint is one of relaxed impartiality. I simply want to ask the question...whilst you watching this issue like a hawk....What is going on in your world that is newsworthy to you?
My news :
My parents got a new webcam & wireless mouse which is really cool and I spent the day updating my website which is always satisfying. Monica is going to a party and my brother is still in Singapore but will soon be going to El Salvador
and suddenly I've realised what is important and it isn't this issue, although I am tempted to photoshop those banners with humours comments such as "Does my bum look big in this?" or "I love Michael Barrymore, Evict George Galloway from the Big Brother House" or quite simply "Hi Mum!".
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