Comments on: How far does free speech go? http://bura-bura.com/blog/archives/2006/02/04/how-far-does-free-speech-go/ "bura bura" - wandering (Japanese) Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:52:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Bec http://bura-bura.com/blog/archives/2006/02/04/how-far-does-free-speech-go/#comment-6282 Bec Sat, 04 Feb 2006 04:36:34 +0000 http://bura-bura.com/blog/archives/2006/02/04/how-far-does-free-speech-go/#comment-6282 The main reason why I'm really disappointed with that cartoon publication is not the "insult-to-injury" factor to the Islamic faith (although this too is significant), but mainly because it elevates discrimination, creates false ideas about who Muhammed is and therefore negatively affects people's understanding/perception of the religion. I have just started working in the media and visual communication industry and already my cynic and sceptic self has gone into over drive. There is a continuous media bashing of the Middle Eastern community since the Cronulla riots and headlines such as <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/02/03/1138958911068.html" rel="nofollow">"Riot Order: avoid Middle Eastern men"</a> would have dire consequences for these people as the wider Australian public puts up an invisible barrier of hatred and prejudice. The result? Middle Eastern men and women suffering discrimination and rejection in employment and opportunities, their children being bullied at school and the worst case scenario would see Australians divided into whites and blacks and Jews and "wogs" and Muslims where INEQUALITY is considered to be normal. Such a blatant level of disrespect demonstrated in this cartoon just goes to show the media doesn't give a shit as long as their sales figures prove that they're winning the stakes. The main reason why I’m really disappointed with that cartoon publication is not the “insult-to-injury” factor to the Islamic faith (although this too is significant), but mainly because it elevates discrimination, creates false ideas about who Muhammed is and therefore negatively affects people’s understanding/perception of the religion.

I have just started working in the media and visual communication industry and already my cynic and sceptic self has gone into over drive. There is a continuous media bashing of the Middle Eastern community since the Cronulla riots and headlines such as “Riot Order: avoid Middle Eastern men” would have dire consequences for these people as the wider Australian public puts up an invisible barrier of hatred and prejudice. The result? Middle Eastern men and women suffering discrimination and rejection in employment and opportunities, their children being bullied at school and the worst case scenario would see Australians divided into whites and blacks and Jews and “wogs” and Muslims where INEQUALITY is considered to be normal.

Such a blatant level of disrespect demonstrated in this cartoon just goes to show the media doesn’t give a shit as long as their sales figures prove that they’re winning the stakes.

]]> By: Mat http://bura-bura.com/blog/archives/2006/02/04/how-far-does-free-speech-go/#comment-6273 Mat Fri, 03 Feb 2006 22:05:25 +0000 http://bura-bura.com/blog/archives/2006/02/04/how-far-does-free-speech-go/#comment-6273 If it was a dog, a banana or another human being with that bomb then no one would have had issues with it. Once again, "faith" and religion is causing extreme reactions when there need not be any. Am I saying it is right? No. But people need to grow a thicker skin. If it was a dog, a banana or another human being with that bomb then no one would have had issues with it. Once again, “faith” and religion is causing extreme reactions when there need not be any.

Am I saying it is right? No. But people need to grow a thicker skin.

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