Freedom of expression in today’s society can take on a plethora of definitions, depending on which part of the world we live in. Migration to various European and Western countries has created multi-ethnic settlements, with full political rights for most, if not all immigrants. Most countries are accepting of their new citizens and grant them all constitutional privileges.
Our societies have matured, bonded, united and evolved with the key values of acceptance, tolerance, respect, education, and the right to communicate freely to the general public and express their views as a whole. The recent attack on the weekly satirical magazine in Paris was undoubtedly a cowardly terrorist act, where innocent lives sadly came to an abrupt end. Religious radicalism is not condoned in any of its forms, but we, as a self-proclaimed educated and advanced society, must look more deeply at the hidden triggers of such acts.
Every religion has its ethics, morals, supreme commandments, and followers, and will be defended by its faithful. Pushing the boundaries of satire that offends religious sentiment, to the extent where it is defined as blasphemous, is an automatic sling shot for reprisal and does not differentiate between Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism or any other religion that we know of today. The strength of a nation is galvanised with common belief and not public discriminatory content. With that in mind, we must rally in solidarity for freedom of expression to be practiced with responsibility. Governments around the world must work cohesively to strive for communal harmony in sync with their respective constituencies and citizens of all faiths.
Charlie Hebdo gained notoriety from its publications, whilst also courting intense criticism for works about world leaders, governments as well as contributing to the deep, hidden unrest within a minority faction of Islam.
If the pen is indeed mightier than the sword, then we must unite and use it to foster what is most needed in today’s war torn world — peace.
It would be prudent to leave the satire, caricatures and cartoons to mortals, as God is indeed of a much higher level.
- The reader is an Indian customer service officer based in Dubai.
