religion

The past couple of weeks has seen an uproar against Sweden in general, and the Swedish artist Mr. Lars Vilk in particular.

Yet again, an artist has managed to piss of the Muslims.

Yet again the Muslims reacts as expected.

And yet again are we discussing whether or not freedom of speech as a principle stands higher than religion.

According to western tradition and belief, freedom of speech is a fundamental right for all mankind. It is a principle we love, and protect.

According to Muslim tradition and belief, Mohamed is sacred, and never to be depicted. Depicting him is a sin, and blaspheme.

All this is well known. And EU has come to the conclusion that when deciding whether or not you are free to speak you mind is to be decided by what your intent of the information is. With the above mentioned art as example - in EU, Lars Vilk is protected by law to make art of Mohamed. Even if some Muslims may get hurt in the process. So how do they know when to protect him? By his intent! If his intentions are good (ie. not to hurt their feelings), he is protected. If his intentions are bad (ie. he draw Mohamed as a dog only to hurt Muslims), he is on longer protected by law.

In other words - Freedom of Speech in Europe is all yours as long as you do not intently hurt someone. If it happens by accident, then it is all fine.

The question is how can I prove that my intentions in this post are all good? That I never mean to hurt anyone?

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On the other hand, the decision by EU have second to no results on the intention of Al-Quida to put mr. Vilks down. And no matter how much I respect Muslims (and other religions people), I just cannot understand how they can take a picture like this serious, and why they care about it in the first place.

I agree that Mr. Vilk and other artists in the past has not been very kind in the depicting of the holy prophet - but as I understand, non of the artists where Muslims in the first place (nor is now). I have a hard time understanding why someone who is not following your religion has to follow those rules. Now, you may argue that I am stupid, ignorant, and some may even say arrogant, but I still do not get it.

But - I do believe in your right to have those rules. I do believe in your rights to believe in your religion. I will defend that right as well. And I respect your views and ideas.

As I do believe in the freedom of speech. And defend that right too.

What pisses me off is when people use the wrong reasons for their action. I defend your right to be a Muslim. But I strongly disagree with your use of terrorism, violence and your disrespect of other people, cultures and religions.

The same goes for Lars Vilk and other artists. I defend your right to make whatever art you like. But intentionally mocking other people and culture is not my kind of art.

There is one thing I believe is missing in both camps - respect! Respecting different opinions. Different views. Different ideas. Respecting that some call dogs with human heads art, and respecting that some prefer their holy figures to stay a fantasy.

This post most likely will upset a few readers. If you are easy to upset, please do not read it. You have been warned.

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One thing about not being American is the fact that I can view their behavior from the outside. And one of the things I do have a hard time accepting is their praise of God. Everything seems to evolve around a hypocritical praise of the Lord. 

Combine this praise with their focus on anti-terrorism, and self-heroism. What do you get? A war on religion.

I am not a fan of terrorism. Just as I am no fan of war. But I do not think that praising the Lord is a good way to fight religious terrorism, or Muslims. I think that only serves to fuel the fire. 

I strongly believe that the best way to fight terrorism and violence is by education, by respect and by developing common ground. And of course time. Change takes time, and it is often felt hard for the involved parties.

The challenge we face in fighting terrorism is not easy to overcome. It only takes one party to spoil the process - as we have seen in the Israel vs. Palestinian case over the years. If one prime minister decides that the proposed outcome is not in their best interest, they decide to build a wall. There seems to be little interest in compromises and "best-for-all" solutions.

And when the US targets the terrorists around the world, with "and God bless America!", I must admit I take offense.  I do not believe in that God. I am not American. And I certainly do not think a God who tells a believer "not to kill" should be blessing a warfare. And most importantly - I know that if I was a terrorist in a Muslim country, I would use that blessing as a proof that the enemy's only wish is to get away with all Muslims (as well as other opposing religions). 

What happens then when America is blessed and no Muslims are available as a threat? Will Europe be the next target? Or will the power of China become to much of a threat? 

I suggest we start develop an educational program which encompasses all major religions, and political power. We should ensure the distribution of this not only in the Middle east and other terrorist habitats, but it should be included in our education as well. Only when we all know, understand and respect our differences will we be able to control and countermeasure terrorism, warfare and unfair political games. 

This is no quick fix - with easy to show results. This will take time - generations. We need to teach our children respect for each other, for themselves and for the unknown.

Including respecting the "God bless America" that currently wipes across the world.  As well as respecting the fact that modernization is required also in religions like Muslims. Going back to Sharia laws is not progress - that is pure regress.