Draw Mohammed Day is approaching — the sixth anniversary of the first one, though the event hasn’t been widely held every year. This year, it’s expected to garner a great deal of attention, thanks to recent events, including the Charlie Hebdo murders and the murders in Texas over a Draw Mohammed event.
There was even discussion, after the Charlie Hebdo murders, of changing the date of Draw Mohammed Day to memorialize the event.
The eternal question is raised: is this free speech, or is it hate?
There’s little question that many Mohammed-drawers participate in the “art” of the day merely out of anti-Muslim hatred. It’s also quite clear that many don’t realize that the perpetrators of violence based on Islamic beliefs represent less than a percent of Muslims, with the vast majority being peaceful people who are also insulted by portrayals (especially some clearly offensive ones) of their prophet, but who would never commit murder over it.
Many of the images would be offensive if they were of anyone the viewer respected — Mohammed, Jesus, the viewer’s mother, or the viewer himself. Others are offensive only because Islam says that they are forbidden.
Additional Reading
The Muslim Times Leading the Discussion on Free Speech and Its Limitations
Categories: Americas, Anti-Islam ADS, Anti-Islam Attitude, Anti-Islam Campaign, Free speach, Free Speech, Freedom, Religion