Dutch Filmmaker Geert Wilders made a film called Fitna which portrays Islamic terrorism. Since then various nations and groups have stated their disagreement in various ways. Leaders in Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the foreign ministers of 27 EU members are among the people who have made statements against this movie. "The Pakistani Foreign Ministry summoned the Dutch ambassador to deliver an official complaint against what it called a "defamatory film which deeply offended the sentiments of Muslims all over the world." (source) Now Indonesia is blocking Youtube, GoogleVideo, MyspaceTV, and other video sites in an effort suppress this film. Rather than confronting Wilder's criticism, the Muslim leaders are blocking him from being heard. Obviously, If they felt the need to block the film, they were afraid of what would happen if people watched it. Who says the government is the authority to tell an individual what they can or cannot watch. Theo Van Gogh was assassinated for his anti-islam film Submission. Anyone who really believes in freedom of speech and press should be rallying behind Wilders. Both these films are blocked by Youtube unless you sign in as a member, certifying that you are 18 years of age or older. Why should adults be blocked from information? It may be insulting to Islam, it may even be untrue, but let the people decide for themselves. Blocking video websites is not the answer.
See the movie here if you have not seen it yet
Story
Story
Story
Story
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Religion is a sensitive issue. It's not the same as insulting a person's hairstyle. It's insulting their faith.
Now, as a soon-to-be (hopefully) paid member of the press, I am all about freedom of the press AS LONG AS the information presented is as accurate and well-researched as possible.
The problem with these films is that they are controversial, and that means that a lot of uninformed people are going to want to see them.
I am all about letting people make their own decisions based on different ideas and information, but when someone doesn't really care enough to educate themself, and they end up watching a film like this anyway, couldn't they possibly be making a "decision" about what to think about Islam on one narrow source of information? It's a lot easier to watch a 15-minute then spend an hour or two reading a newspaper/watching the news and then making a decision.
How can we make it more appealing to the masses to get involved in the process of being educated about world event? That would make me feel better about movies like this, that could have a huge influence on peoples' opinions. I just don't want them to be the ONLY influence.
I agree with you Tyler, to a degree, people should be allowed to see this if they wish to, but let go with Indonesia. Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation in the world, and the most populous majority Muslim state in the world. Should a controversial movie become widely seen and simultaneously (within several days/weeks) viewed by a public who WILL be offended there is great potential or much violence. Now depending on what happens in the future, Indonesia didn't do anything wrong. Once there is more scrutiny levied upon this production, and open discussion and venues for the offended to voice their distaste, it would no longer be as dangerous to allow the film to be seen. Until then 250 million people are safer if the hornet's nest in their tree is not rattled. This is why the United States citizens weren't told that the US gov't almost initiated nuclear war in Cuba in 1962 (the Soviet Union already had the missile installed and ready to strike the eastern seaboard, all they were waiting for was for Kennedy to land offensive troops on Cuban soil which he was ready to do, they were yards offshore waiting for the order). Had this gaff been released to public knowledge in the 60's 70's or even 80's how would the public reacted? My point is when considering the distribution of distrubing materials, a government must consider the consequences of MASS exposure.
sorry that should say "let's go" with indonesia
Post a Comment