http://www.30-days.net/islam/culture/shame/ What Christians should know about Islamic background, history and culture. Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:13:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 http://www.30-days.net/islam/culture/shame/comment-page-1/#comment-41 Simon Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:37:49 +0000 http://www.30-days.net/reveal/shame/#comment-41 First of all, it is both irresponsible and impractical to say that freedom of speech is an un-impeachable right in any situation and case. The term 'freedom of speech' has been monopolised by certain circles to take on an almost unassailable form. Now, I myself am a journalist but i understand that as part of a global community, we must realise that there is a difference between an insult and a joke, or even artistic expression. Also, to play down the legitimacy of a complaint by one group is an underhanded tactic designed as a diversion; instead of addressing the issue of whether the cartoon drawings were morally tenable or morally corrupt. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that you have shown 'the east' as a 'shame-based' culture, citing honour killings as an evidence for this. In actual facts (what any respectable piece of journalism would adhere to), there is no term called 'honour killing' in the Islamic legal system - this is a myth. The issue of honour killings is one exclusive to certain traditions among some cultures, and is considered by Muslims to be a backward and abhorrent practice. It is important to differentiate between the actions of the individual and the teachings of the faith. I personally would be dismayed and astounded if it were claimed that the IRA bombings were upheld and supported by the teachings of the Bible. First of all, it is both irresponsible and impractical to say that freedom of speech is an un-impeachable right in any situation and case. The term ‘freedom of speech’ has been monopolised by certain circles to take on an almost unassailable form. Now, I myself am a journalist but i understand that as part of a global community, we must realise that there is a difference between an insult and a joke, or even artistic expression. Also, to play down the legitimacy of a complaint by one group is an underhanded tactic designed as a diversion; instead of addressing the issue of whether the cartoon drawings were morally tenable or morally corrupt. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that you have shown ‘the east’ as a ’shame-based’ culture, citing honour killings as an evidence for this. In actual facts (what any respectable piece of journalism would adhere to), there is no term called ‘honour killing’ in the Islamic legal system – this is a myth. The issue of honour killings is one exclusive to certain traditions among some cultures, and is considered by Muslims to be a backward and abhorrent practice. It is important to differentiate between the actions of the individual and the teachings of the faith. I personally would be dismayed and astounded if it were claimed that the IRA bombings were upheld and supported by the teachings of the Bible.

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