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Your criticism misses the mark, as I don't actually defend the violent reaction to the cartoons and have said as much. Also, this was never about questioning,
by theotherside 17y ago
Your criticism misses the mark, as I don't actually defend the violent reaction to the cartoons and have said as much.
Also, this was never about questioning, as much as about the intention. You may or may not be aware that the newspaper solicited the cartoons, challenging the artists to make them as inflammatory as possible. It was a political and commercial stunt under the guise of a moral battle, making the whole thing even more despicable.
- CWuestefeld 17y agoAlso, this was never about questioning, as much as about the intention. You seem to be under the impression that it's possible to discern someone's intent, e.g., "prodding them for a cheap thrill", "it was a political and commercial stunt". Do you really contend that you have the vision into people's hearts, that you can discern their actual motivations? No, in reality you do not have, and cannot have, any inkling of the real reasons for any of a person's actions. But in any case, the freedom of expression, to challenge beliefs and assumptions, is in no way predicated on intent. Freedom is not reserved to those who are pure of heart. If it were only granted on the basis of someone approving its motivations, then an oppressor would only need to be dishonest, or mistaken, in judging those motivations. Freedom of expression is for everyone, and for all purposes.