Why is it OK to publish cartoons poking fun at any religion or belief except Islam?

Question

From Fox News:

"A popular comic strip that poked fun at the Rev. Jerry Falwell without incident one week ago was deemed too controversial to run over the weekend because this time it took a humorous swipe at Muslim fundamentalists.

...

"The Washington Post Writers Group syndicates "Opus," and the Post is the cartoon's home newspaper. The syndicate sent out an alert about the two strips in question, according to Writers Group comics editor Amy Lago...Lago said she flagged some of the syndicate's newspaper clients for two reasons: because of the possibility that the jokes about Islam would be misconstrued and because of the sexual innuendo in the punchline.

"Lago said she didn't flag newspapers about that strip because she didn't think readers would misunderstand the humor.

"'They're not going to take it seriously,' she said.

"But she did alert newspapers about the Muslim-themed cartoon because there was a question about whether Muslim readers would be offended.

"'I don't necessarily think it's poking fun [at Islam],' Lago said. 'But the question with Muslims is, are they taking it seriously?'

"The "Opus" strip in question takes swipes at Islamists — a term used for radical Muslims — as opposed to moderate Muslims, she pointed out, but there was concern that the distinction wouldn't be clear. . . ."

Here's the cartoon in question:

http://www.salon.com/comics/opus/2007/08/26/opus/

Ze, interesting answer. But I don't believe that cartoons on Western religions are self-censored. How much more offensive can they get? Yes, the fact that Islam is new to the west means that we are probably more likely to offend its faithful, but why should we care more about offending Muslims than any other religious faith?

Is it just because of the underlying threat of violence?

Answer 1

i dont really see anything offensive about it..but then again i think people take things wayyy to seriously

Answer 2

Becuase Islam don't have a sence of humour at the moment.
The social view of the islamic faith is marred by the threat of terrorism and groups like jihad.
Islam is a wonderful peaceful religion but the cartoons that come out only depict the harsher sides & make fun of their prophet. They don't show an equality in the cartoons _ they're quite insulting to the islamic faith. So I can understand the Islams getting a little upset.
Cartoon on christianity of mormans are sensored by our knowledge of their practices, the faith of these religions has been in western society for a few hundred years now. But Islamism is new & we aren't showing respect & putting the joke across properly.
I think we need more cartoons on Islamic faith and ideas to de-sensitise socity & teach people too. _ Yes cartoons can teach.

Answer 3

It seems that nomatter were in the world it is Ok to ridicule any religion except Islam, which is wrong.Free speech should be prevalent, when it comes to foul and obscene language THAT should be banned. And it is not.
Newspapers and other media usually look at the money aspect of what to publish, for the rest ethics do not matter much.

Answer 4

it may be offensive to no longer make exciting of islam, in the experience that your going to make exciting of each and all the others. Giving any group specific scientific care (whether that is conserving) is bigoted. tell them which you're certainly acknowledging Islam's place as a faith by at the same time with it on your jokes. besides, your no longer working around burning down mosques, your purely poking exciting at yet somebody else, without anger in direction of them, and the different man or woman is invited to do the comparable in the event that they desire.

Answer 5

You must understand that muslims in general are very insecure about their faith. Therefore, they are considered choleric with regards to the depiction of their prophet. They are willing to kill and die to defend their faith against anyone that are perceived to be insulting islam.

Answer 6

Because they are afraid, very afraid of Islamic Extremist and not afraid at all of everyone else. Used to be just Christians but now it is "everyone else".

Answer 7

check this link its good


http://workathomeandearnmoney.blogspot.com/


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Answer 8

i would have to say the above person, "skycat",.....has a handle on why,.....