Are Ground Zero Mosque Supporters Being Insensitive?
I read an article in Forbes recently that suggested those in support of the 'Ground Zero Mosque' Supporters Should Remember Danish Cartoons.
Apparently Danish drawn caricatures of Mohammed in 2006 - which included an image of Mohammed with a bomb on his head where a turban ought to be and another of a frantic Prophet standing at Heaven's gate crying,
"Stop! Stop! We're running out of virgins!" - inspired attacks on Danish embassies, boycotts and violent demonstrations across the Middle East.
In response some Europeans defended Muslims, calling the cartoons insensitive, insulting and anti-Islam. Others, angered by the censorship "condemned the behavior of Muslim protesters worldwide and the willingness by those who had supported them to compromise free speech and other crucial democratic values."
With regard to the current situation I see both sides quite clearly, but I still I can't say definitively if the Ground Zero Mosque idea is good or bad.
What do you think? Share your thoughts on the Diversity Executive network.
Apparently Danish drawn caricatures of Mohammed in 2006 - which included an image of Mohammed with a bomb on his head where a turban ought to be and another of a frantic Prophet standing at Heaven's gate crying,
"Stop! Stop! We're running out of virgins!" - inspired attacks on Danish embassies, boycotts and violent demonstrations across the Middle East.
In response some Europeans defended Muslims, calling the cartoons insensitive, insulting and anti-Islam. Others, angered by the censorship "condemned the behavior of Muslim protesters worldwide and the willingness by those who had supported them to compromise free speech and other crucial democratic values."
With regard to the current situation I see both sides quite clearly, but I still I can't say definitively if the Ground Zero Mosque idea is good or bad.
What do you think? Share your thoughts on the Diversity Executive network.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ulysses Stanley Jr on -
Fear mongering is the root cause for the extreme malcontention that is being demonstrated against those who seek to exercise the RIGHTS of their citizenship, which is in this particular case to gather and congregate for religous and/or recreational purposes.
Will these citizens who are against having the Mosque established proceed to scan the rest of the city-blocks which surround the "Ground Zero" to demarcate where other cultures, businesses, families, etc. can erect or establish their homes or enterprises because what they "believe" their actions will represent will somehow 'profane' the hallowed grounds of "Ground Zero"?
I do see that emotions of bitterness, sorrow and mourning have been marshalled together for misdirected use against fellow citizens who wish to utilize their property as they see fit.
It is sadly ironic how rationally decent citizens have allowed the same fear and hatred to cloud their judgement and reasoning to the same degree of fanaticism of those who were responsible for bringing down those towers.
The Mosque should be built, and citizens of all faiths should CELEBRATE it's establishment because by doing so we demonstrate RESPECT for our fellow citizens...no matter what their creed or religious beliefs.
Are we not a "democracy" ?
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Permalink Reply by Anubis Rezende on -
I live in Brazil and have many friends in NY and other places in US. I don't think of this discussion as a right or wrong decision, or go no go. I think of it as a great opportunity to conduct a real direct discussion with NY citizens (not surveys or spot interviews) but group discussions, in several places, with muslims and non muslims. Putting in the table their fears, concerns, ideas, prejudices in an open discussion aiming at solution. Not focusing on past actions from both sides or expanding for other fields, there may be a chance to evolve. The right to have a legal temple wherever they want is constitutional. And US IS A FREE COUNTRY. But, considering the way some muslim-like organization act around the world it is absolutely easy to understand why it is a difficult decision for newyorkers and north-americans. But a democratic and open decision, with less interference from radical right or left wings groups, and without the pressure of ideologically distorted media, NY can show the world how to take a great step for mankind togetherness, and as a side result, hugely reduce the anti-american energy. The discussion not only will drain some prejudices, but will also make people's positions clear and assumed as a personal responsibility. After that, the will of the majority should drive the decision. Not all happy, but freely and honestly decided. There may not be a solution like we have here in Brazil: an ecumenic temple in Brasilia, DC. But this is, for gods and bads, Brazil's culture. Northamericans may choose other paths. But it may become a great opportunity to figure out where the devil lies: in men or in the smoke created by political mistakes?
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Permalink Reply by Linda Kulp on -
Most people I have discussed this with are in agreement that there is no question as to it being legal and the right of any group to support their beliefs and build a place of worship. In fact many have died to support religious tolerance and freedom. The other side of the question is whether or not the supporters of the mosque considered the still raw feelings of many who lost loved ones on 9/11/01. The question I ask is why this particular site? Why not another site not quite so close to where the twin towers stood. I have yet to hear an answer to this other than to quote the legal right, etc.
I don't live in NYC nor did I lose a loved one during this tragey so it's difficult for me to say whose right should be considered first in this case, but I can say that I believe this hasn't been handled in a sensitive way. I saw a comment from someone who said he proposed a large religious structure that had sections for Muslims, Jews, Christians, and other denominations to come and worship. This idea has some merit in my opinion if we are truly talking about religious tolerance.
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