In last week’s article I spent a good deal of time talking about the tension between South Park and Mecca!
As you’ll recall, the producers of Comedy Central’s prime time cartoon were warned on a Muslim web site that their lives might be in danger for portraying Mohammed on their television show. The veiled, subtle admonition reminded people of similar threats toward Danish cartoon artists a few years ago.
I think it’s high time we held a little conference and settled this nonsense once and for all because things have gotten so Politically Correct, we’re ignoring a big elephant in the room. I realize that Muslims don’t believe in having any kinds of drawings or pictures of Mohammed. So fine. They don’t have to. If that is their belief, I can respect it.
However, to put things as delicately as possible, it’s their religion, not mine and not every citizen’s in every country where Muslims choose to live.
To the rest of us, Mohammed is a mere historical figure, not a prophet. Sorry, my Muslim friends. You’re just going to have to deal with it, even as I must accept those who dissent from my religion. Most people I meet do not share my beliefs that Jesus was God incarnate. Free thinkers find that difficult to swallow. Sometimes, their presumptuous views can be challenged. Other times, they display open hostility toward Christianity. Indeed, Jesus was portrayed on a cross in urine a few years ago. As a Christian I find that disgusting. As a human being I find that disgusting. But isn’t it interesting that the “artist” wasn’t worried that he’d wind up dead? One must marvel at the “bravery” displayed by our elitist talent. They love to rag on Christianity as a dangerous suppressive movement, one that seeks theocracy, oppresses females, and hates homosexuals. But the religion which actually forces women to wear burkas, sends people off on Jihads with theocracy as a goal, and executes homosexuals in many of the countries where they already rule, doesn’t seem to concern American artists. In point of fact, Militant Islam actually does the things Christianity is accused of. Where are the brave sculpture artists and actors and Hollywood directors in the face of genuine oppression? If they feel timid out of fear of their lives, I guess I can’t blame them. But if such is the case, they should quit patting themselves on the back about how courageous and cutting edge they are. That’s my message for our Politically Correct media.
But back to my message for Muslims: Not everybody is going to roll over and play dead every time you complain. I take my own religion as seriously as you take yours. And FYI, my religion is about freedom so I will apply that freedom whether you like it or not. Personally I have no desire to draw your prophet and would not know how anyway because I’ve never been able to draw my way out of a wet bag. So, instead, I will speak out on behalf of others. Let’s be clear: If you don’t believe in drawing Mohammad, don’t draw him. End of conversation! If a non-Muslim does draw the man, what can I say? Tough! They are not obligated to follow your religion. Shouldn’t that have been obvious when you read the American constitution or did you think you were reading Sharia Law? Maybe Europe is cowering down and eating out of your hand, but we are not Europe. Not yet anyway. You keep claiming you’re a religion of peace and that only a few nutty terrorists have hijacked your peaceful religion. Is that so? Then prove it! We don’t want to hear any more complaints about drawings.
By the way, your own Koran denies that Jesus is the Son of God and denies that Jesus even died on the cross. Should you be expected to remove those verses because they offend Christians? No? Good. Now you understand how the rest of us feel.
Bob Siegel is a weekend radio talk show host on KCBQ and columnist. Details of his show can be found at www.bobsiegel.net. Comments to posts are discussed by Bob over the air where anyone is free to call in and respond/debate. Call in toll free number: 1-888-344-1170.