Cartoons deserve peaceful protest
Over the past few weeks, many have remarked that Islam has been misunderstood as a result of extreme responses to the Danish cartoons. Having studied Islam in the past, my sympathies go to those left horrified by the utter irreverence of the cartoons.
My respect goes to the 5,000 British Muslims who met in Trafalgar square several days ago to protest the cartoons peacefully. Such a blatant offense toward a religion deserves significant protesting to convey the emotions it stirred.
In this case, protesting is clearly justified because the cartoons have violated the principles of Islam in tasteless jest. But can anyone truly justify the actions of the armed masked men who stormed the European Union office of Gaza City, threatening Denmark and demanding immediate apology?
There is a clear distinction between peaceful protesting and unnecessary violence, destruction and murder. Looking beyond the various controversies the cartoons' aftermath has conjured, violence only strengthens the great divide between the Middle East and the West.
Personally, I hope a peaceful resolution can be established. If not, I fear that the Western world's lack of comprehension will only augment as more lives are claimed and more destruction and violence ensues.
Thomas A. Nading
Greensboro
Comments (1)
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Please look at my response to the letter that follows yours. I think that my reply to that letter fits here as well.
Posted on February 28, 2006 4:37 PM