The Art Of Offending

Amsterdam The Perils of Free Speech (What goes around, comes around.)

"On a sunny May morning, six plainclothes police officers, two uniformed policemen and a trio of functionaries from the state prosecutor's office closed in on a small apartment in Amsterdam. Their quarry: a skinny Dutch cartoonist with a rude sense of humor. Informed that he was suspected of sketching offensive drawings of Muslims and other minorities, the Dutchman surrendered without a struggle.

"I never expected the Spanish Inquisition," recalls the cartoonist, who goes by the nom de plume Gregorius Nekschot, quoting the British comedy team Monty Python. A fan of ribald gags, he's a caustic foe of religion, particularly Islam. The Quran, crucifixion, sexual organs and goats are among his favorite motifs.

Mr. Nekschot, whose cartoons had appeared mainly on his own Web site, spent the night in a jail cell. Police grabbed his computer, a hard drive and sketch pads. He's been summoned for further questioning later this month by prosecutors. He hasn't been charged with a crime, but the prosecutor's office says he's been under investigation for three years on suspicion that he violated a Dutch law that forbids discrimination on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation.

The cartoon affair has come as a shock to a country that sees itself as a bastion of tolerance

Remind me to stay out of Holland. What a sick joke. Let's not say anything critical about Islam because they might riot, and it would ruin our image of tolerance? Give me a break.

Amsterdam The Perils of Free Speech (What goes around, comes around.)

Salve, Amici. Sorry...

... I couldn't resist.

Remind me to stay out of Holland.

The US it's the only country still upholding the free speech. In all Europe and Canada broad definitions of hate speech make even true allegations to be open to persecution.

Remind me to stay out of Holland.

 

The US it's the only country still upholding the free speech. In all Europe and Canada broad definitions of hate speech make even true allegations to be open to persecution.

You are right, I think, and we are very protective of that.

Sham tests are thrown up, especially to protect "pornographic speech

There is great ease in the foul use of terms as they relate to Christianity, but Islam is left conveniently alone; no one is afraid to insult Christians, which has become a

Thankfully, our government isn't likely to arrest Trey Parker and Matt Stone for their humor. Hail Xenu!

 

-- Nephele

But a cartoon still can sparkle rage and debate

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/15/america/15humor.php

Thankfully, our government isn't likely to arrest Trey Parker and Matt Stone for their humor. Hail Xenu!

 

-- Nephele

 

But a cartoon still can sparkle rage and debate

 

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/15/america/15humor.php

That cartoon was put up by Ob's own side to innoculate the candidate, so your interpretation seems to be "right" on. They likely took their cue from Ob, when he said in a public appearance that the Mc's side would point out that he "looks Muslim, and by the way...."he's black". If the other side doesn't act as they are expected to act in a timely fashion, don't lose hope, it can be imputed.

Faustus

Thankfully, our government isn't likely to arrest Trey Parker and Matt Stone for their humor. Hail Xenu!

 

-- Nephele

 

But a cartoon still can sparkle rage and debate

 

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/15/america/15humor.php

 

That cartoon was put up by Ob's own side to innoculate the candidate, so your interpretation seems to be "right" on. They likely took their cue from Ob, when he said in a public appearance that the Mc's side would point out that he "looks Muslim, and by the way...."he's black". If the other side doesn't act as they are expected to act in a timely fashion, don't lose hope, it can be imputed.

 

Faustus

Indeed, Faustus. Quoted from the article:

The cover was drawn by Barry Blitt, who also contributes illustrations to The New York Times's Op-Ed page. David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, said in an e-mail message, "The cover takes a lot of distortions, lies, and misconceptions about the Obamas and puts a mirror up to them to show them for what they are.

"It's a lot like the spirit of what Stephen Colbert does

The problem with some folks for whom such illustrations "can sparkle rage and debate", is that they don't get the joke -- or the point.

 

-- Nephele

Exactly right Nephele. And in part, that's what the cartoonist relied on. Every cartoon will be seen in at least two different ways.

Faustus

As a Republican, I find the Obama picture hilarious. Ironically, that cover is making fun of me.

I think this Obama cartoon it's a very clever political move on his side.

I think this Obama cartoon it's a very clever political move on his side.

We agree.

Problem is that the average American won't see the satire. Believe it or not, a notable percentage of Americans believe he is a Muslim(and it's not just the Republicans ).

Problem is that the average American won't see the satire. Believe it or not, a notable percentage of Americans believe he is a Muslim(and it's not just the Republicans ).

It's not just "the average American" who often fails to grasp satire.

Regardless of where you live, think of one person you know whom you would describe as being "of average intelligence." Then realize that 50% of everyone else is dumber than that.

-- Nephele