Like it or loathe it, International Draw Mohammed Day is likely to be as divisive as it is important. The fundamental rights to freedom of expression are being slowly eroded by a group of crazed fundamentalists who believe intimidation and violence are an acceptable means to an end.
It doesn’t matter that more moderate Muslims are pointing out that the prohibition on representing Mohammed, – which stems from a belief that any representation amounts to idolatry – is supposed to be a rule for Muslims only. It doesn’t matter that the freedoms we take for granted in the West hard won from a history of bloodshed and conflict against tyranny are being eroded at a fundamental level through a campaign of fear.
Base and violent ancient superstitions should not be allowed to play any part in, or threaten, the modern world in which we live. There was a time when Europe and the rest of the civilised world cowed in fear to the trinity of Abrahamic religions but that should be long past.
Should Muslims’ like this poking of their beliefs with the stick of free expression? Probably not – nobody likes that – but the appropriate response lies in communication and dialog; not in arson, murder, and intimidation which has been a stock standard response to date by a militant minority.
I hope that those choosing to add their support to this cause do so in a firm and respectful manner. The point here is about the right of free people to draw a representation of Mohammed, not to inflame sentiments through gross disrespect.
I submit my sketch in support of the International Draw Mohammed Day.
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