In Berlin, freedom of speech and the role of art as expression took another blow as a leading opera house cancelled the opera that features the severed heads of Mohammed, Jesus and Bussha. Predictably, Muslims said they would again go crazy with rage if their religion was "insulted". Should the show go on? How can Muslims justify the double standard? (OK for them to smear Jews, Christians, Buddhists, but not vice cersa).
2006-09-27 04:41:25 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, the opera should not be canceled. Those that do not wish to see it are not compelled to attend. You give one inch and they then will feel entitled to take a mile. The religious have taken a lot a real heads and now they complain about make believe. The Pope apologized and did that
satisfy the blood lust, no they craved more.
The Quran 008.012
Remember thy Lord inspired the angels: " I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers: smite you above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them."
Have a blessed day.
2006-09-27 06:58:01 · answer #1 · answered by zurioluchi 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with Suzanne.
What happens if a Muslim wants to go to the Mozart opera, but can't because they would be so offended.
Also, why is that we have to always talk about Muslims? It is because they are the ones that will cause all the violence, Christians will get angry, perhaps protest but we will not go crazy and kill people in riots.
Judging by what Suzanne said, the scene was added in and therefore perhaps it could be taken out.
However, I choose not to watch the exorcist or any other films of that nature because I am Christian. I don't feel that I am really missing out. Perhaps we should get over the fact that we can't watch this one opera. Protests are acceptable, perhaps the scene is unnecessary, but do not cancel the show.
We do not all live by the same morals.
2006-09-27 04:56:57 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great question, thanks
1. The opera itself is - probably - a visual challenge to taste, but no reason for political consideration
2. It seems that in the opera ALL religions equally "loose" a head, which might be construed as poor taste, but not as an insult.
3. Last I checked, "opera" is an artform, not a political issue, and it should remain so
4. The only religion with any issues about the severed heads is Islam, not potential protests turning to violence from Christians, Buddhists, etc.
5. Which just shows how insecure muslims are about their religion and how utterly devoid of humour and compassion they are
6. Conclusion: It's a call for freedom of speech and liberty of arts, screw the muslims with that oversensitive approach,
however, if the concern for the german authorities was protection of life due to possible muslim terrorists, then maybe there is a justification for being on the safe side. If I would be connected to this opera, I wouldn't want to loose my life for the abstarct of free arts
God Bless you
2006-09-27 05:10:10 · answer #3 · answered by ralfbless 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The producers are not suggesting that severing the heads of religious figures is a good thing. King Idomeneo comes on stage brandishing the decapitated heads of Poseidon, Jesus, Buddha, and Muhammad to show the king's antipathy towards religion after he reneges on a vow to the gods to destroy his son.
I'm not surprised that religious groups are a bit taken aback by the staging choice, but it's not as though the producers are attempting to incite violence against religious people.
Muslims are overreacting. Their belief that no images of their prophet should be made isn't binding on the non-Muslim world. Threatening to riot because of a theater piece shows a lack of perspective akin to Christians weeping and wailing over movies like _The Life of Brian_ and _The Last Temptation of Christ_.
That said, I'll admit that it isn't necessary for the heads of Jesus, Muhammad, and Buddha to be in the scene. The heads of other ancient gods could be substituted and make the same point. But people shouldn't be so damned sensitive. Stirring feelings among the audience during a dramatic performances is part of the experience. Have none of you ever been to an avant-garde performance? Sometimes shocking the audience helps to get an important point across.
2006-09-27 04:59:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't view this as a "freedom of speech and the role of art" argument, because this scene was not original to Mozart's composition. The article I read said:
"The scene, added to the script by director Hans Neuenfels, is meant to symbolise the king’s estrangement from religion after he reneges on a vow to the gods, and was roundly booed at its Berlin premiere in 2003."
Folks who go to a Mozart opera should SEE a Mozart opera, not a Mozart/Neuenfels opera. If this objectionable, unnecessarily incendiary scene was removed, the show would (and should) go on.
Peace.
2006-09-27 04:49:18 · answer #5 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
An opera that features severed heads of anyone seems in questionable taste to me. However, you are right, freedom of speech should prevail. If muslims don't like it, they can just not go, like the rest of us.
2006-09-27 04:43:46 · answer #6 · answered by Jensenfan 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
freedom of speech and free will is important but an opera such as you describe infringes upon the freedom of speech and free will of the rights of others in my opinion. one should consider the feelings of others as they would want their feelings considered. anytime one Religious Belief System offends in any manner another Religious Belief System harm is done to ALL Religious Belief Systems.
2006-09-27 04:55:19 · answer #7 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with VQ. I wouldn't go see that opera because of a non-interest to it, but freedom should always prevail.
2006-09-27 04:47:32 · answer #8 · answered by valmikey 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. If the Muslims do not like it they do not need to see it.
2006-09-27 04:46:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I agree with Suzanne... for one of the few times ever. ;)
2006-09-27 04:51:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋