Peace, Love, and Lutefisk: Adventures i Norge

There is an enormous debate going on right now in Norway that is extremely fascinating and relevant. It all revolves around the idea of free speech versus humiliation. Late in the fall, 12 cartoon drawings of the Islamic prophet Muhammad were put in the Danish newspaper "Jyllands-Posten" and later in the Norwegian Christian newspaper "Magazinet." These drawing depict Muhammad sometimes as a terrorist carrying a bomb under his turban and other fairly derogatory ways. This has enraged much of the Muslim world because first of all, Muhammed is not supposed to be depicted at all, and secondly because he was drawn in such an offensive way. The newspaper however responded by saying that it was their free speech to be able to print and publish whatever they want. In response, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have began boycotting Danish goods, the Libyan embassy in Denmark was closed, and the cartoonist have received death threats. There is even increased security supposedly in Denmark because they are afriad someone could attack them.

So, the debate continues in Norway. Should a newspaper be able to publish something that offends another, especially when dealing with matters of religion? How far does free speech go? The debate has been raging in Norwegian media, so here's your chance to set aside thoughts of the state of the union and the super bowl and weigh in, what do you think?

It's been interesting being able to hear the perspective from a few of my Muslim classmates and the interesting interplay of religion and politics. I'm still formulating my position. Who would have thought that "peaceful" Norway would be at the center of such a controversy!

Read more about the story at this website: Muhammed Cartoon Story