Boycott of Danish products.
In September 2005 the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published cartoon caricatures of the Prophet Muhammed in terrorist guise.The backlash by the World's Muslim population has taken some time to gather momentum but it is gaining momentum now and unlikely to abate for some while. Muslims are furious with this blatant blasphemy and are now boycotting Danish goods in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Denmark is famous the World over for its high quality dairy and fish products, including Lurpak butter, which is sold in every Middle Eastern country. Judging by the fury unleashed by the newspaper's publication of these pictures, it is doubtful whether Danish products will return to supermarket shelves in the Middle East soon.
I cannot understand why a Danish newspaper would publish such insulting pictures in the first place. This is one of the most insensitive acts committed in a country that was at one time a supporter of South Africa's oppressed in the apartheid era (i.e. sympathetic and sensitive to the needs and feelings of the repressed). Furthermore, the Danes have a reputation of being conservative and uncontroversial. The furore has been heightened by the lack of a formal apology from the Danish government--although the newspaper has apologised.
This entire fiasco is a result of too much freedom regardless of the feelings of others. The Danish government should apologise forthwith and attempt to repair the damage to their economy and the dignity of others.
I heard today that a French newspaper had also published these caricatures, probably to remain in the forefront of the news-- but the very printing of these cartoons is libellous, offensive and degrading. Are the French also being insensitive? If not what was the reason for reproducing these pictures? Am I missing something here?
Let's be frank: A cartoon caricature of Jesus carrying a rocket launcher would outrage Christians. Why pick on the Muslim faith for your daily laugh?