"You danes take really everything for a joke, ah?" - was the comment during a TV discussion today in the danish evening news. I personally do not really know, how to write about something that obviousely is bigger than cartoons, printed three months ago, and also larger than the discussion of Respect and Religion.
The time of easy truths is over. Freedom of speech, press and opinion is not negotiable. Though there are problems in reality that cannot be dealt with through tribunals or thumping on basic rights, but simply through commonsense, respect for others and oldfashioned politeness. (I would not be the first one calling danes rather not cautious at times)
Denmarks history and societal development is an explanation for the current strong right-wing government, but is actually neither relevant (nor seen) in the discussion around cartoons that could again become a global 'clash of civilizations', S. Huntington was writing about.
It has become clear now, that some of the cartoons used to show off in the islamic countries after Sept.05 never were printed and their origin is unknown. The apology from the newspaper came too late, and it is obvious that nobody actually imagined an economical boycott, as it is now happening.[Arla.dk].
Provocation is not the right way of dealing with the radical islam. It forces reaction to defend its freedom. The roots in lack of understanding lie in the immense gap of understanding realities.
Moderate muslims had to show solidarity, as well as on the other side press people, that never would have printed such cartoons. Thus also the reaction of arabic governments under the pressure of its people was predictable.
Dialogue of cultures seems more impossible than before, but the only solution to me at present. Less anger and agression, especially in the european countries with its large communities of islamic citizens..
The impossible is easier than the difficult. [Sarah Kane]
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