Freedom to What?

The controversy over the publications of cartoons of the Prophet Mohommad is extraordinary, to say the least. On the first count, it was probably unwise of the papers concerned to publish material that would, even on the grounds of plain common sense, have been cited as potentially inflammatory. There is a war happening in Iraq and Afghanistan; there are inresolved issues between Palestine and Israel.

Moreover, the 'freedom of expression' argument, much touted by hacks of all stripes, is hardly a great defence. Freedom of expression in the media is concomitant with the need to review the importance of, and public worthiness, of what is to be published. The sky is not the limit. Journalists would not publish details about the, say, extra-marital affairs of their colleagues. They are forbidden to publish classified information. There are already many restraints upon an unfettered freedom of expression.

But at the risk of being beheaded or slated for execution, I have to say that the behaviour of many in the Muslim world is rankly hypocritical. Arab and Middle Eastern newspapers have regularly published anti-semitic and anti-Western cartoons. Where are the riots in Tel Aviv and London? The internet buzzes with nonsensical conspiracy theories about Zionist plots or Western evils. The Muslim world accuses the West of having a stereotypical view of Muslims, that they are violent and unreasonable, but the behaviour of many Muslim adherents reinforces these stereotypes. Yes, the Muslim world is diverse and no doubt most Muslims are decent ordinary people just trying to get on wirth their lives. But this balance is compromised by images of wild-eyed acolytes holding placards that demand the beheading of anyone who dares to transgress their standard. I'm afraid you can't have it both ways.

What will come from this? No doubt, a media that is far more sensitive to religious feeling, though perhaps less inclined to publish genuinely newsworthy material. That would be sad. And for those who feel themselves slighted by recent events....a change of heart, a desire to build bridges? Unlikely, wouldn't you say? Which is even sadder.