Wikipedia In The Line Of Fire Over Religous Rights and Freedom Of Speech
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Religious consternation over the extent at which others fail to comply with the basic tenets of their belief never ceases to amaze.
Now, coming from a religious background, despite being a fairly strident atheist, I have the deepest respect for religion. But it is after-all your religion.
I’ll point no fingers at anyone in particular, but the case study is that of this enterprising petition which seeks to ban the unveiled face of the Prophet Muhammad on the infamous Wikipedia. The author writes;
This fuss is all bout respect. This is to save the ideology of religion. When we grow up in a world where religions are targeted and ideologies are criticized, where freedom of speech is used as freedom to abuse. Kids grow up watching such motive, TV serials and Internet entries they became insensitive about these things. They start thinking its normal. And Anti social behavior become a symbol of pride. Neutral Point of View (NPOV) is used to promote extreme point of view.
Firstly, to assume that religions are being “targeted” is to imply that religions are not the motor of change in our world. It is religion that seeks to promote, lobby and weigh their morals and opinions into society. Homosexuality and other “extreme” practices (something I prefer to call realism) have been relegated to criminalized tendencies and can lead to punishment and isolation.
Secondly, if we our beliefs influenced and directed current “NPOV” institutions like the Internet, we’d all be killed off or isolated within minutes. Being neutral is the key to the sustainability and compatibility of all beliefs. Assume that everyone genuflect before our idols is to wear the mantle of arrogance.
Prophets and Gods belong as much to historical speculation and analysis than they do about beliefs, particularly on the Internet.
Let me point out before I get flamed that this is not about Muslims. I have the same views on most any religion you can think of. You could say that I hold a atheist outlook, and that in of itself promotes a set of values on people (this post for instance). But the key is understanding that you have a choice. You can close the browser. You can turn off the T.V. You can choose your content. Should we falter in our NPOV, our freedoms would crumble as quickly as they seem to have in the minds of many religious people.
Also bear in mind, that I am not against you making the petition. It is your right. My views on Freedom of speech cut both ways, and I would be nothing but a hypocrite if I chose to advocate its closure.
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