Where do we draw the line between free speech and negligent satire? How far is too far, and does that limit even exist? In the wake of the tragic Charlie Hebdo massacre, Muslims around the world are infuriated by yet another Charlie Hebdo cartoon, this time depicting the prophet Muhammad. As any journalist or cartoonist knows, the prophet is off limits, but why?
Charlie Hebdo has given radical Islam the proverbial finger, making the bold statement that fear will not dictate the way they do their job. While this is an incredibly inspiring act of courage and resilience, one can’t help but wonder if they are unnecessarily putting others at risk by publishing content that will undoubtedly incite a violent reaction. The fact that this is an issue is a problem within itself.
This is the grand hypocrisy of radical Islam: to enjoy the fruits and opportunities of western democracy without adhering to the standards freedom entails. A journalist should not have to fear for their life for doing their job. As the western world moves slowly but surely toward a truly secular state of being, radical Islam seeks to drag the world back into the dark ages of fear and uncertainty. Islam is truly a religion of peace, and the radicals have perverted their revered holy texts in a way that contradicts the very foundation of their religion.
Freedom of expression is equally as important as freedom of religion. To firmly believe that one is more important than the other is blatantly ignorant and hypocritical, and here’s why, just as any person in a free country is free to believe, worship, and practice their own religion without fear of persecution, people must also be free to express themselves without impunity or fear of retaliation. People must learn that a belief is simply that, a belief. To believe something does not make it true, therefore, to impose the perceived implications of those beliefs unto people that do not share them will forever stifle the growth of civilization.
With all of this being said, should Charlie have published the cartoon? The answer is yes. They have decided that fear mongering, anti-western propaganda, and even death, will not deter them from exercising their freedom. They have chosen not to give in to the fear. This is, of course, what the radicals want. They want the west to pull movies for fear of retaliation. They want people to be scared to talk about them. These are all characteristics of the weak minded; to use murder and intimidation to curb any ideas that may damage their ever-so-delicate sensibilities. In other words, we should never give in to the whims of the perpetually butt-hurt, whether they are a North Korean dictator or a jackass in a suicide vest.
Bill Clinton spoke on Seth Meyers’ show about radical Muslim terrorists, stating that they live in a “shame based environment.” It’s much easier to pick up a gun and “martyr” yourself than it is to read a book, build a business, teach a child, and so on. It’s much easier to blow yourself up when you believe you’re going to heaven for it than it is to be Malala Yousafzai. Malala stood in the face of the Taliban and said you can shoot me if you want, but you will not deprive us of an education. Charlie Hebdo standing up to the enemies of free speech is living up to the notion that the pen is truly mightier than the sword.
Charlie Hebdo has proven that they will not be rattled by the countless death threats, but will continue to exercise the freedom of speech and expression that makes the west such a wonderful place to live.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Drew Chowbay at andrew.chowbay@colorado.edu
