New Perspectives Quartely: Global Viewpoint
CARTOON CONTROVERSY IS NOT A MATTER OF FREE SPEECH, BUT CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
Tariq Ramadan, the grandson of Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, is a philosopher and leading spokesman for Muslims in Europe. Famously, the U.S. has denied him a visa to come to American to teach at the University of Notre Dame. His most recent book is "Western Muslims and the Future of Islam" (Oxford University Press, 2003). He spoke with Nathan Gardels from Switzerland on Thursday.
By Tariq Ramadan
Nathan Gardels: What is your response to the challenge to European Muslims presented by a number of European papers republishing defamatory cartoons from a Danish daily (Jyllands-Posten) of the Prophet Mohammed?
Tariq Ramadan: There are three things we have to bear in mind. First, it is against Islamic principles to represent in imagery not only Mohammed, but all the prophets of Islam. This is a clear prohibition.
Second, in the Muslim world, we are not used to laughing at religion, our own or anybody else’s. This is far from our understanding. For that reason, these cartoons are seen, by average Muslims and not just radicals, as a transgression against something sacred, a provocation against Islam.
Third, Muslims must understand that laughing at religion is a part of the broader culture in which they live in Europe, going back to Voltaire. Cynicism, irony and indeed blasphemy are part of the culture.
When you live in such an environment as a Muslim, it is really important to be able to take a critical distance and not react so emotionally. You need to hold to your Islamic principles, but be wise enough not to overreact to provocation.
For Muslim majority countries to react emotionally to these cartoons (with boycotts) is to nurture the extremists on the other side, making it a test of wills. On one side, the extremists argue that, “See, we told you, the West is against Islam,” and on the other side they say, “See, Muslims can’t be integrated into Europe, and they are destroying our values by not accepting what we stand for.” This way of opening a debate on emotional grounds is, in fact, a way of closing the door on rational discourse.
What we need now on both sides is an understanding that this is not a legal issue, or an issue of rights. Free speech is a right in Europe and legally protected. No one should contest this. At the same time, there should be an understanding that the complexion of European society has changed with immigrants from diverse cultures. Because of that, there should be sensitivity to Muslims and others living in Europe.
Gardels: Did publishing these cartoons go beyond the limits of free speech?
Ramadan: There are no legal limits to free speech, but there are civic limits. In any society, there is a civic understanding that free speech should be used wisely so not as to provoke sensitivities, particularly in hybrid, multicultural societies we see in the world today. It is a matter of civic responsibility and wisdom, not a question of legality or rights. In that context, I think it was unwise to publish these cartoons, because it is the wrong way to start a debate about integration because it inflames emotions, not courts reason. It is a useless provocation.
How does one imagine that the average Muslim in Europe who opposes terrorism will react seeing the Prophet Mohammed depicted with a bomb in his turban? Publishing these cartoons is a very stupid way to address the issue of freedom of speech.
Gardels: Why do you think so many European papers feel obliged to republish these cartoons?
Ramadan: Now it is a power struggle. Who will have the final word? Who is right? Who will have the upper hand? If it was stupid in the first place to publish these cartoons in Denmark, it is even more emotionally stupid to do it now. What do we want, to polarize our world or build bridges?
Look, let’s have a true debate about the future of our society. Muslims have to understand there is free speech in Europe, and that is that. On the other side, there needs to be an understanding that sensitive issues must be addressed with wisdom and prudence, not provocation. Just because you have the legal right to do something doesn’t mean you have to do it. You have to understand the people around you. Do I go around insulting people just because I’m free to do it? No. It’s called civic responsibility.
Gardels: In defending its publication of the cartoons, an editorial in the German daily Die Welt said, “The protests from Muslims would be taken more seriously if they were less hypocritical. When Syrian television showed drama documentaries in prime time depicting rabbis as cannibals, the imams were quiet.” What do you say to that?
Ramadan: Die Welt is not wrong to say this. We Muslims must be self-critical. At the same time, hypocrisy in the Arab world doesn’t justify insulting Muslims in return. Your teacher should not be the wrongdoings of others, but your own principles.
(c) 2006, Global Viewpoint
Distributed by Tribune Media Services, INC. (Distributed 2/2/06)
2 comments:
Who would have thought that a few simple cartoons would have been so effective at bringing all of the angry young muslims onto main street where the authorities can take their photos. Its a gift to those who are trying to prevent terroism...they now have photos of many potential terroists.
Dear Anonymus! This is not true. The only problem we have Muslim Masses is that their leaders are catering to their sensibilites. No one is telling them how prophet would have reacted in similar circumstances. If they knew that Prophet would not say a single word let alone protesting in the streets they would not do what they are doing right now.
I do have an answer for those Misguided Muslims.
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