Everybody Draw Mohammed Day

After the odious South Park censorship by Comedy Central, (Ross Douthat wrote a probably accurate, if dramatic, analysis of the mess) an artist in Seattle drew a poster announcing the fictional group Citizens Against Citizens Against Humor that are holding the (formerly) fictional Everybody Draw Mohammed Day.

It caught on with a Facebook page, which quickly exploded with both righteous outrage against threats of violence over free speech, and blatant racism.  While the mean content of the myriad comments is rather low, the best are spot on.

This is not about hate. This is about intimidation. This is not only about Matt and Trey. This is about Salman Rushdie. This is about Kurt Westergaard. This is about Ayaan Hirsi Ali. This is about Sooreh Hera. This is about Theo Van Gogh.

I'm currently a hesitant supporter or the campaign.  Images of the prophet are offensive to Muslims.  I have no desire to offend my Muslim friends and colleagues.  There are other ways to address the actions and rhetoric of the small minority of fundamentalist bullies.  However, in this case I believe that personal action is required.   It is not fair that the writers of South Park be the targets of violence while I am entertained yet share none of their hazard.  Of course, they are rewarded handsomely for their effort, but I am the indirect beneficiary of their exercise of my rights of freedom of speech and expression.  

This collective action is a way to diffuse targets for violence.  Since there are currently only a handful of entertainers willing to take the risk of offending the radicals, they make easy targets for terrorists.  It is unfair that such a burden fall only upon those brave enough to risk violence for free expression.  If we as citizens care about the same ideals, and enjoy the fruits of an uncensored, free society, we should accept some part of the risk.  While Comedy Central has not acted admirably, we can not expect such corporations to take stands against their own financial interest.  If we care about and benefit from freedom of expression and freedom from fear, we should stand up.