Since this Dutch film producer van Gogh was stabbed by an "Islamic extremist" I have been pondering, if total free speech is such a good thing after all.
For those who don´t know what I am talking about read this BBC article for more info.
For the past few years I was convinced that everybody should have the right to express whatever that individual feels like.
But now?!
What if you offend others by doing so?
Obviously van Gogh did express his views and he did so without any respect for other peoples' feelings. Or what do you think?
I saw a clip of his la(te)st movie in which he directly criticizes Islam without any shame.
He filmed a woman wearing some black see-thru dress inside a mosque while having quotes of the Quran written all over her naked body.
I mean, what the hell was he thinking? Fine, he was trying to make a point with this controversial piece of "art", but then he shouldn´t be too surprised that not everybody appreciates his work, or that some would feel offended.
Don´t understand me wrong, I don´t try to defend the stabber, he is a murderer nontheless.
But people who make use of that tool called "free speech" should also respect other peoples' feelings when doing so.
I know that it can be very difficult to voice out ones opinion without offending anybody, but rubbing salt into the wound like that doesn't help anybody either.
Some basic respect is needed, also while criticizing.
The thing is, this can't be controlled. The government shouldn't restrict "free speech" in my opinion.
This is something that each and every individual needs to understand when using "art" or other tools to express their opinions.
How will the other parties feel?
Of course at the same time one has to learn to keep cool when somebody says something that he/she doesn´t like and not go and butcher them.
Anyway, I just feel that this basic stuff is very important because societies around the world are drifting apart. The media is working hard to appear moderate and at the same time just reports what people want to read - what sells -, "We (read: the majority) good, others (read: the minorities) bad!".
It's shit when everything is about $ale$ and profit, isn't it?
We are not as different as they try to tell us!
~peace~
