Responsibility or censorship: Muhammad and the media
Marc-François Bernier (Ph.D.) Associate Professor
Department of Communication University of Ottawa
mbernier@uottawa.ca
The author is an expert in ethics and ethics of journalism. This text was published in Le Droit (Ottawa), Wednesday, February 8, 2006, at the request of the editorial writer Pierre Jury.
the face of violence and irrationality of religious intolerance, it is better to be responsible, even seem "loose", that multiply and cause more innocent victims.
There is no perfect answer to the dilemma of whether to publish the cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed that offended many Muslims, but there may be answers more or less responsible. In terms of principles, the case was quickly decided in favor of absolute freedom, it is in reality everything is complicated. Indeed, those who decide to publish such cartoons in the name of freedom of expression, can not deny they have a responsibility if they know inflame minds ready for anything, even murder.
Above all else, we must say without reservation that no moral or religious belief can justify the intimidation, hatred, threats, much less criminal or terrorist attack. Muslim leaders have an obligation to contain the excesses of aggressive religious. They should promote dialogue with the West has largely succeeded in taming religious follies that were deadly, especially during the Crusades in the Middle East Christian.
That said, today published the Mohammed cartoons out of bravado, merely for the sake of asserting his freedom of expression and for the honor of macho provocation is not in itself a moral justification.
The first to broadcast these cartoons do may not know it would cause such a reaction and it is very difficult to make them bear a large responsibility in the events that followed. But those who now want to emulate them or support them by repeating the gesture know the risks this poses to them first, but also on innocent third parties. These have not volunteered to become victims of a crusade for freedom of expression and its extension, freedom of press. It is too easy to defend its liberties or business by making others pay the price.
Before deciding whether or not to publish such cartoons, must weigh the competing values and principles, namely respect for religious beliefs and freedom of expression. We must also consider the likely consequences and probable. The newspaper decided to circulate such caricatures can not plead ignorance and must assume its share of responsibility for explosions of violence that will fuel and for the innocent victims who fall in battle they did not choose.
The dilemma is whether or not we may publish such cartoons that offend hundreds of millions of Muslims and the name of what he should do. Given the probable and foreseeable consequences, this decision can not be a mere whim. Instead, you must have a strong case, which requires answering the following questions.
One must ask how this release fills a real need to inform, or what is it for the public interest? We must balance what is most important to affirm the fundamental principle of freedom which is not fundamentally threatened by or to protect lives? Are there other ways to assert freedom of expression without risking serious consequences? How not to publish bullied really freedom? Is it necessary to do all that allows freedom, or is it preferable to restrict voluntarily, under certain circumstances? Individual freedom should it be exercised without regard to the collective risks that this entails? Is it possible to use this crisis to advance mutual understanding and tolerance? These questions will generate different answers and each may engage in the conduct of their choice.
It is not about censorship here, since censorship forbidden by imposing silence. Anyway, you can see all these cartoons on the Internet. The justification for publishing these offensive caricatures is lower for traditional media, while risks remain the same.
Without doubt it is important not to abandon hard-won freedoms. But make responsible choices, but also assert their freedom. There are certainly better than fighting it wants to protect the positive value of freedom of expression and press freedom.
Finally, common sense is inclined to distinguish between humorous caricatures of those who suggest that Muhammad encourages terrorism. All cartoons are not the same weight and this must also be taken into account by all actors.
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