Religious Extremism, Overzealousness

I've been reading a lot in the news about rioting happening, mostly in countries known for harboring Muslim extremists, as a result of insulting cartoons originally published in the Danish newspaper Jylland-Posten.

I can understand how offensive it is to see Western media mock one's religion. I've witnessed mockery of my own religious beliefs by media, the entertainment industry and North American culture for years. What appalls me the most is the incredibly disproportionate response to these offensive cartoons. I should remind everyone that the protests for the most part have been orchestrated by a relatively small group of ringleaders who gather friends who have never seen the cartoons and get them worked up til the mob is ready to do just about anything, like burning down foreign embassies.

I'm also appalled at the response by the Authorities in some countries, such as Canada. I'm referring specifically to the case where a Professor Peter March of the University of PEI was told to remove copies of the cartoons from his office door.

Let me point out specific inconsistencies. How would any of you react if I burned down the gallery where they exhibited the portait of Jesus Christ onto which the painter, Andres Serrano had poured a bucket of his own urine? You would say, and rightly so, that I was overreacting. Everyone who cherishes freedom and peace and tolerance must condemn these riots vehemently, or by their inaction support them. I usually support moderation, but extreme situations demand extreme reaction.

The other part of this fiasco that disturbs me, which I mentioned already, is the move by the authorities to quell those who oppose the extremists. The police and government are in positions of authority to protect our freedom of expression, but they're doing the exact opposite, as is the case with the administration at the University of PEI, and Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General who said, "Let me say that, honestly, I do not understand why any newspaper will publish the cartoons today," Annan told reporters in New York City on Thursday. It is insensitive. It is offensive. It is provocative, and they should see what has happened around the world." Annan also said he is not against freedom of speech or freedom of the press.

Normally, I would agree with Kofi Annan's statement. The media should be reporting the news, not creating it. But I see the media's reprinting of the cartoons as a reaction to the outrageous extremism perpetuated by a relatively small group of muslim extremists. I agree that the cartoons are offensive, but they're nothing compared to burning down a building.

By the way, here are all twelve of the infamous cartoons, just so everyone can see exactly what the fuss is about.

Also, you can read more about the issue on Wikipedia