The Prophet Muhammad is Fair Game Is it bad that I still think this whole thing is funny? I mean, that's the only reason you draw a comic strip; because you think it's funny. If you were to ask me right now why I wanted to do a comic strip on the Prophet Muhammad, I would say, "Because I think it would be funny." You may say, "I don't think that it's funny." That's fine. I don't think 'Family Circus' is funny. People differ. You may then ask me "why do you think it's funny?" As with any joke the answer is complicated, but it was summed up best by Krusty the Klown: "You always pie the guy in the suit." You make jokes about people with dignity: The Principal, the President, the Pope, the Prophet. I mean, jokes about Jesus are hilarious. Another thing I've heard, even from people that like the joke, is "you're asking for trouble." Those of you who would prefer to not see this comic strip in print may take note; my friends were urging me to not even submit it. They were afraid. They may not admit it, but they see the reports of "Muslim Extremists" and they've watched that Chuck Norris movie with the plane-hijackers too many times and they think they should be afraid. To silence this debate with fear would only make them more secure in their belief that it is dangerous to say bad things about Muslims, because Muslims are dangerous. Obviously I do not feel the same way, but the fact that I'm not supposed to make jokes about the Prophet Muhammad is one of the main reasons that I think they're funny. Again, you may not agree. But this is America. We have the right to free speech. That means that I have the right to make jokes, you have the right to call me an insensitive asshole and the paper has the right to feature both in print. I think they plan to.
2008 Woodie Awards
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 6
Suado Abdi
posted 4/03/07 @ 6:49 PM EST
"To silence this debate with fear would only make them more secure in their belief that it is dangerous to say bad things about Muslims, because Muslims are dangerous". (Continued…)
Cameron Slick
posted 4/06/07 @ 12:14 PM EST
Grant, how I wish I could have seen that cartoon in print. Your article is not very well-written, unfortunately, since I know you are sympathetic to Muslims. (Continued…)
P
posted 4/16/07 @ 1:43 PM EST
From the Enlightenment until recently, the Christian state has slowly crumbled. Politics seperated themselves from government, begining in France, expanding with the creation of the United States bill of rights, and finished through free expression via the vessel of libertarian press. (Continued…)
Post a Comment