Kurt Westergaard's Cartoons on Prophet...

by Anisur Rahman

Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten on January 8, 2010, published reproductions of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, one of which is thought to have led to an attack on its Danish author Kurt Westergaard last week.

At the backdrop of reproduction of the Westergaard cartoons in Norwegian newspaper may trigger up the religious fundamentalists across the globe and they may have demonstrations and that is not expected and appreciated at all. As I think, if it is a matter of importance concerning faith and respect for Islam, it should not be a headache what is drawn or said regarding Islam or Prophet by whom or not! Religious faith is completely a personal matter. It is not either a matter of any particular group or politics or state or authority. When every thing is guaranteed by one’s own belief, there is nothing to be worried who is drawing cartoons against Islam or Christianity or Hinduism or Buddhism or whatever else.

On the contrary to this truth, the religious fundamentalists are aggressive and regressive to counter against freedom of expressions by hook or crook. It is not appreciated. It must not be accepted.

On the other hand, it is to be noted as Westergaard criticised the reaction of immigrant communities in Denmark to his cartoons, stating that ‘many of the immigrants who came to Denmark, they had nothing. We gave them everything - money, apartments, their own schools, free university, health care. In return, we asked one thing - respect for democratic values, including free speech. Do they agree? This is my simple test.’

Here regards two things. One is why immigrants should react over Westergaard cartoons. Is it necessary any how? The other thing is why Westergaard did respond in that way which will not help for social harmony in Denmark between immigrants and the rest of society or democratic values. His response sounds regressive as the people who are reacting against his cartoons. Should not both the sides rethink of their role?

It is to be noted down as spirit of freedom of expression is to ensure truth and beauty in life. That will also be a cause for peace and social harmony. Talents or persons or the authorities concerned in favour of freedom of expression need to remember it for the benefit of humanity. Responsibility and respect to people of different faiths are also necessary facts to promote the spirit of freedom of expression. Provocation and practice of freedom of expression is not the same thing.

A true artist must be true to himself or herself. An individual talent does know how much he/she is true. Concerning Kurt Westergaard cartoons, we can simply say, it is his individual matter either the cartoons are provocative or not. The second or third party either artistic critic or reactionary groups are not the authority. It is up to Kurt Westergaard simply. If one is unhappy at Westergaard cartoons, he (one) can counter drawing caricature or cartoons on him (Westergaard) or can make mock play featuring his role. That will be fine. Any attack or threat must not be encouraged by any group or quarter!

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New Age (www.newagebd.com) on Saturday reports: in an article on Westergaard, the daily printed small versions of six out of the 12 drawings that infuriated Muslims around the world when Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten first published them in 2005.

Several of the drawings were seen as linking Islam and its revered prophet to terrorism and suicide bombings, with Westergaard’s cartoon showing him wearing a turban in the shape of a bomb.

On January 2, an axe-wielding 28-year-old broke into Westergaard’s home screaming for ‘revenge’ and ‘blood’ before police — alerted by the cartoonist who had hidden in a panic room — shot and arrested him.
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It is a relief for us who favours the freedom of expression as Westergaard is unhurt. I condemn the attempt to attack on him and I wish free and safe life of Westergaard!