February 12, 2006
Bad PR
Hundreds of Toronto Muslims demonstrated against the Mohammed cartoons in front of the Danish consulate on Saturday. (Toronto Star).
They have a profound right to protest defamation of their religion. Many people probably interpret a criticism of their prophet as a condemnation of themselves personally, as well. That's natural and to be expected.
However, I don't think the primary issue in the cartoon caper is an attack on Islam or Muslims in general. The key issue is violence and terror in the name of religion. And resistance to it was. apparently, the reason for the cartoons.
Many Canadians have condemned the cartoons as an unwise way to express this resistance. And, the response of some Muslims to these cartoons has been far from wise, as well.
The hysterical mobs protesting in Indonesia and the Middle East seem intent on confirming any negative caricatures of Islam. As did those who marched through London with signs calling for the extermination and beheading of opponents.
The response in Canada has been much wiser. But not as good as it could be.
If Muslims want to show the world the special value of their tradition, they would come into the street in large numbers demonstrating not against the cartoons but against the rioters who think it's good to pillage and make violent threats.
Condemnation of the cartoons could be relegated to comments in the newspaper. But instead the reverse is true. Condemnations of the rioters are made in the paper and the big noise is reserved for oppositon to the cartoons.
After 9/11 and Madrid and London and Bali, the world has been waiting to see profound demonstrations by Muslims against terror. But the big shows are saved for attacks on Bush, Blair and Denmark. Not Osama and his ilk.
I'm not saying that any other religious group would be any different. It's normal to get angry and abnormal to protest against your brethren. But, in fact, we have seen huge crowds of Americans and Brits demonstrating against "Bush/Hitler" and his "poodle", Tony Blair.
Perhaps, another PR problem is the use of clerics who are rooted in the traditions of other countries. Look at what Ali Hindy, a Toronto cleric, wrote in The Toronto Star.
Even though some protests around the world have been violent, we plan on a peaceful protest on Saturday. Unfortunately, people don't listen unless there's damage.
He doesn't get it. People notice the damage. But that's not what's going to make them treat you with respect. Just the opposite.
Here's another crack from him.
Even the Canadian Jewish Congress said these cartoons were wrong.
"Even". What's that supposed to mean?
And, finally, he says that "all the prophets were beautiful", unlike the cartoons. What is he saying about people who are physically unimpressive? That they are spiritually lacking?
I've seen this guy on TV arguing in favour of Sharia law against a Muslim woman. He's smart and extraverted but not a modern man.