Iran paper plans Holocaust cartoons
Written by Haitham Sabbah on 07. February 2006, 1933hrs // Part of Haitham Sabbah's adventure in Cartoon // Other posts by Haitham Sabbah
Crazy world: Iran’s largest selling newspaper has announced it is holding a contest on cartoons of the Holocaust in response to the publishing in European papers of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. The Western papers printed these sacrilegious cartoons on the pretext of freedom of expression, so let’s see if they mean what they say and also print these Holocaust cartoons, Hamshahri newspaper said. [Hat tip: Ahmed]
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February 7th, 2006 at 9:24 pm
So a Danish newspaper (and others) do something that hurts muslim feelings and in response you go to offend the jews. Interesting logic.
We would also be fairly used to it by now: http://www.jcpa.org/phas/phas-21.htm and probably plenty of examples you know from your newspapers over the years.
One of the few places that DIDN’T publish these cartoons is Israel, not that we need more fire than we already have, but I also assume you wouldn’t know that peoples who have sought to offend muslims, by f.ex. placing pig heads in mosques, were tried and convicted to jail time.
February 7th, 2006 at 10:24 pm
“Political Logics have never been Funny throughout History until Ahmadinejad showed up” –[x]
February 7th, 2006 at 10:45 pm
Dear Sabbah,
Thanks for your blog. I would like to address Shlofn’s comment:
Shlofn, I am not sure who exactly you are referring to as “you” in your comment. Do you mean the Muslim world? Do you mean Arabs? Iranians? Indeed, you must be aware of the heterogeneities of this “you” you are invoking. Also, to state the obvious again: any attempts to reduce the complexities and differences amongst a group of peoples who may or may not share one religion are problematic and frustrating – not to mention somewhat racist(surely, it would be considered racist on my part to reduce the multicultural Israel of today into an Ashkenazi, Zionist, and predominantly settler-oriented “them,” no?).
What the Iranian newspaper is proposing to do is simply ridiculous and I do not believe that Sabbah mentioned it in order to applaud their effort; rather, I believe that he was trying to get us thinking about this world we live in and how it is functioning today. So your statement regarding Sabbah’s unwareness of the Israeli government’s punishment of “peoples who have sought to offend Muslims” is somewhat irrelevant.
This tit for tat logic can lead us nowhere.
Dana
February 7th, 2006 at 11:53 pm
This controversy reminds me of the recent controversy over
Serrano’s photograph of a crucifix submerged in urine. His
photograph was personally repugnant to me and to many other
Christians. Not surprisingly, many liberal ethicists defended
Serrano.
http://www.artsandopinion.com/2004_v3_n4/pisschrist-2.htm
A “liberal” side of the argument can be found here:
http://monitor.net/monitor/9804a/nea.html
Yes, on the internet we can match link for link, seesawing back and
forth until we are blue in the fingers
February 8th, 2006 at 12:05 am
Dana,
I don’t think Shlofn was saying that Sabbah in particular was attacking Jews. However, I do note the irony he has pointed out.
For the most part, Jews have been supportive of Muslims. The few peaceful demonstrations I have seen that are pro-Palestinians — are led by Jews. Among the most vocal groups cricizing Israel — are led by Jews. Many who argue for a Palestinian “homeland” (instead of kicking them out of the area) are Jewish.
Most Israelis that I know associate with Arabs, most of whom are Muslim.
I am an agnostic while male who was brought up in a mainstream Christian environment. I trully disapprove of Islam, yet I am NOT Jewish. I am more of the enemy of Islam than any Jew. LOL!!
That said, Israel bears some culpability for their problems because the country has not been decisive enough in removing the problem in its midst.
February 8th, 2006 at 12:22 am
The true irony in all of this is the fact that, during the documented atrocities against the Jews during World War II, Denmark was among the more noble nations in taking a stand against the Nazi’s persecution of the Jews.
So, we have before us an example of Moslems seeking to “teach the Danes a lesson” by attacking… Jews? This is absurd and, beyond that, it is a clear example of Moslems looking for/inventing opportunities to proudly show thier hatred for Jews.
It’s as if they are saying: “No one does “hatred” better than us, it’s our greatest export!”
Added to the irony of all this is the fact that this sort of Jew-bashing goes on with regularity in the Moslem world.
This new “cartoon contest” is simply the latest chapter. And I do not expect to see mass riots as a result.
Why would Moslems (and no, I do not mean “all ” Moslems here, so please do not try to divert the subject) want to set up a situation where they will be outclassed by those they hate. If the Jews do nothing (aside from complaining) they will have won the argument.
All they will need to do to look more rational, level headed and evolved will be to do nothing at all. They will simply sit back and watch thier attackers self-destruct.
I also find it interesting that, after months of claiming a sort of moral high-ground on this issue, there are those who will now look forward to the same sort of thing against which they’ve been raging.
There is, literally, something wrong with this picture.
Like playing chess against toddlers.
February 8th, 2006 at 1:10 am
Dear Ali,
I am not sure if you were addressing me in your “please do not divert the subject” comment. If so, that was not my aim. Clearly, I am in agreement with you that this so-called contest is ridiculous and extremely dangerous in that it ignites anti-semitic sentiments and caricatures the tragedy of the holocaust. What I was pointing to in my comment, however, is the reactionary attitude that characterizes both the Iranian inane contest and Shlofn’s comments regarding the “you” that is now going to “offend the jews.”
I hope that clears my intention somewhat further.
Dana
February 8th, 2006 at 1:56 am
Dana,
I figured the “you” part will be contentious, I did not intend to include everyone in the arab world, I am well aware of the differing world and in fact I think that Sabbah is in fact in support of what I said, or at least that I support what he said. I should have placed “you” in quotes or whatever. but I cannot see how my comment was interpreted to be against Sabbah or laughing at him. I am sincerely, in all my comments and posts, try to be serious and reasonable.
Reducing the israeli crowd to ashekani jews would only get you labeld as ignorant, not racist. Just like most Israelis (and me included) are mostly ignorant about the arab world.
My comment about the unawareness is completely in place, it’s another data point which I would be pretty sure is true, both the fact itself and the general arab unawareness to it. Again we find you labeling something as unsayable. If you think something is wrong, say it’s wrong, don’t say it’s unsayable, it only detracts from your position.
And I don’t think there is anything tit for that in what I said, I came in to say that he is right and provide a datapoint regarding the “impending attack” of Iran on Judaism and Israel. With the idea that those Arabs who are willing to think will have a better stand when they say/think that the idea of Iran is ridiculous.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:15 am
I think it’s very degrading to Islam to even think of such a thing. One thing that Islam calls for is to respect the 2 other religions Judaism and Christianity. I dont mind the boycotting, what other way would the muslims get their revenge, after all it is a very sensitive topic. To degrade any prophet is a sin. But whats happening in Lebanon and Syria and other countries is monsterous. Unfortunately the media provide a false image about Islam. Indeed these people causing riots call themselves muslims. The words muslim and islam are derived from the word “salam” meaning peace. So I can say confidently that the people causing the riots are not true muslims and Allah will punish them.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:19 am
Wiseone, I know Sabbah calls for us to be free with what we say. Try to be sensitive about peoples feelings when you say that you disapprove of Islam. Even if it is to provide a point.
February 8th, 2006 at 3:09 am
Shlofn,
Again, I think we are in agreement more than you are willing to admit. Except, I did not say that what you said was “unsayable” — only that is irrelevant. Surely, when I argue that the Iran’s contest is ridiculous I will have some viable stand as to why it is so; that stand, however, is not affected by Israel’s trying and convicting of those you mentioned (as it is deemed, in my opinion, as a political measure). Rather, my stand against this Iranian newspapers’ contest is influenced by an ethical opposition to the racism and anti-semitism inherent in the idea itself.
The tit for tat comment was in reference to your blanket use of the term “you” and your assumption that the majority of those you are engaging with via your comment are in favor of this idiotic measure.
February 8th, 2006 at 5:23 am
Can anybody tell me why Iranians hate Jews so much? And please don’t come up with “What Israel does to the Palestinians” - that hardly explains why they deny the holocaust and/or want to finish it.
February 8th, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Classless, I think the Iranians hate Jews so much because they actually believe what they say, that the Holocaust is myth, that Jews control the whole world, basically meaning that they are responsible for all things evil in the universe. Anyways, overall, I can see what the Iranians are doing, they do have a valid point, the point is not that the Danes insulted Muslims, so thoughtless Muslims will insult Jews in response, this is indeed foolish, the point Iran is trying to make here is, lets see the western world stand by and watch without labeling the Iranians Anti-Semites for publishing anti-holocaust cartoons, let them prove that they do believe in freedom of speech, of course, freedom of speech is a myth, there isn’t true freedom of speech anywhere in the world, and it is not necessarily a good thing to have with no limits, this is what Iran is trying to say here, I’m not a fan of Najad, far from it, but i do agree with their point here. In this way they do make a good point, for a few years now since September 11th we have been preached to on how the kids in our schools are being brainwashed with anti Semitic lies, that Islamic schools teach hate towards Jews, anyone in the US or Europe who so far as dares to criticize Israel is automatically lambasted and labeled with the wretched curse “anti-Semite”. So let’s not act like a bunch of ostriches and stick our heads in a hole.
February 8th, 2006 at 1:28 pm
Dana, Shlofn Riz and all. I’m not attacking Jews or Muslims, it was just some Ironic news I could not resist but point to it as wiseone said.
Maybe you don’t know me yet, but some of my best friends are Jews.
As for Iranian hate for Jews, well, I’m afraid that generalization is not good. Like I said in my previous post “Do we hate Denmark?” This is a wrong perception that all Arab, all Muslims hate the world, including Jews Christians. etc.. This is what the media like to report for ignoble reasons.
I talked about this in more details here:
http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2006/02/07/do-we-hate-denmark/
February 8th, 2006 at 1:38 pm
I should have qualified that “you” as Iran, it’s not even all iranians as I’m well aware. I do know an Iranian person and work with him, I also know muslims and work with them. As far as I know they don’t hate me.
I understood Haithm’s point of irony and only wanted to make it stronger, looks like I’ll need to be much better at choosing my words though.
My explanation for the “Iranian hate” is simple, it’s not Iranians that hate Israel, it’s the government that wants to make a stand and point at some external enemy and Israel/US makes for a nice target. In my opinion it’s just the normal way a dictatorial ruler works, he needs someone else for the masses to look at and external problems to ponder so he won’t need to be accountable for the internal problems. But that’s just my opinion and I’m not an expert so take this with a grain of salt.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:01 pm
In Iran you can see Prophet’s images everywhere and Imam Ali’s ones too. Imam Ali has green eyes!Attacking holocaust, it is stupid!Probabaly Iran tries to copy Khomeyni’s last days when his death wish ( fatwa) for Rushdi.If Iranian government was rational which is not,it should ask for Christ’s cartoons.Hamshahri, journal, which launched this stupid holocaust cartoon contest is a 100 percent governmental one.
February 10th, 2006 at 6:49 pm
Ekawarna.
When you’ve written:
“To all Muslims. lead peaceful demonstrations in your own countries ( to let them know you are serious ) but Do It Big where the controversy originates.”
…I’m afraid you’ve turned a blind eye to what is really going on.
You see, the “controversy” did not truly exist in Denmark or anywhere else until clerics in the Middle East began to gin up agitation for their own satisfaction.
It’s as if these misguided rioters are puppets being moved in one direction and then another.
Sure, it took a while for those in power to generate the rage (they may be effective, but they aren’t efficient), but now the puppets are obediently following their marching orders in their own streets. It’s rather interesting to watch.
The truth is, there are religious leaders in power who look desperately for something they can use as motivation for their followers to hate the outside world so that they will not take the time to observe how bad their own standard of living is.
I imagine it’s much easier to instigate rage against the West than it would be to, say, create jobs for the poor. Not to mention providing education for all citizens. (Education, you see, is bad for facism.)
For this reason, “peaceful demonstrations” are the farthest thing from what these rather corrupt leaders want to see. Because that would indicate a kind of rational approach…which could in turn lead to rational questions about the leaders themselves.
And once that begins to happen, it’s all over for the power structure as it exists today.
So, you see, rage is good for thier business.
(Incidently, you’ve included Israel in your list of Western nations. As you know, Israel is a Middle Eastern nation along with Iran, Iraq and others…)
PAX.
February 10th, 2006 at 11:37 pm
No offense, but as far as I’m concerned, Iran’s reaction is pretty lame.
February 12th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
I believe this is just another example of why the best thing America has going for it is being so far away from the Middle East and North Africa. There will never, NEVER, be a time where there might be a Moslem population in the U.S. significant enough to change “our”, “meaning Americans”, interpertation of free speech or “our” essential liberties. Europe, though, does not have this luxury. I believe Europe must draw a line in the sand and not let themselves be rotted either by weak evil nation’s condemnations or increasing, insular minorities. Europe must say our views are right, just, and good and we will not bow, nor submit to these savage govenrments.
February 13th, 2006 at 1:44 am
Despite all attempts to deconstuct the “whys” and “hows” of Iran’s retaliation, as an Iranian American, I would like to voice that the very fibers of my compassionate being are humiliated, mortified, and disgusted by Iran’s actions right now. Truly. It doesn’t help matters that Ahmadinejad is recently favoring whether the Holocaust is fact or fiction, but coupled with this cartoon contest, ridiculing human misery and exploiting human suffering? It’s just sick. And no matter how much I understand our anger at the desecration of the Prophet in these offensive cartoons, it in no way validates any mockery of systematic extermination of a people. I think Iranians are pretty clueless as to the legacy of such a thing as the Holocaust, and we chose to remain ignorant. At least that is the vibe that is given.