Netherlands Braces for the Mother of all Negative Reviews
Red alert! Battle stations! All civilians must evacuate to the bunkers! Scramble the fighter jets! Move, move, MOVE!! Here it comes…incomiiiiiing….here comes……….!!!!!
A movie.
No, seriously, a movie.
In case you haven’t been reading much here or elsewhere, a far-right member of parliament in the Netherlands is about to release a movie highly critical of Islam. Instantly warnings (also known as threats) came in from different corners of the Islamic world.
Michael van der Galiën takes a look at a roundup of this peculiar situation at Pajamas Media (his own post on the subject below). Several things stood out to me:
Wilders is promising that the movie will include the Koran being desecrated, possibly burned and torn apart in order to show that Islam is a “source of inspiration for intolerance, murder and terror[ism].”
I think I can see the intention behind this action. It’s not that the burning and desecration itself will prove that (todays) Islam is a source of “intolerance, murder and terrorism” it’s the REACTION to the desecration that will do that. In short, Wilders wants to show that Islam is violent, and those who will threaten, riot and murder in reaction to this film will oblige him. Meanwhile, the so-called “moderates” are not silent either:
The Dutch Muslim Council has warned the government: if the movie is broadcasted anywhere, riots are certain. “We fear for the worst,” stated the council. “The youths on the streets will have the last word. We can’t stop them”
Yeah, they can’t stop the youths, but I’m sure they want to, right? I mean, it’s not like the threat of violence by hoards of thugs gives this “council” any leverage or power does it? Riiiight.
The situation has become so tense – and Wilders appears to be so determined to broadcast his anti-Islam movie - that the Dutch government has instructed its embassies in Muslim countries to prepare for riots and for quick evacuations of Dutch people living in those countries. Mayors of Dutch cities, meanwhile, have been told that they must prepare for riots and mass demonstrations.
Let’s remind ourselves of something once again. This is all about a MOVIE. It’s not about a military invasion, it’s not about violence committed upon Muslim citizens in the Netherlands, it’s about a MOVIE. I beg you, don’t let this stop shocking you, don’t let the repetition make you think this is even remotely normal. It’s pathological, and we in the West have a choice, either we cower and cringe and obediently suppress our own voices, or we stand up, and say that ours are free people, and free people allow even nasty voices to speak freely.
Very, very good post Claudia.
And… who knew? Atheists have humor!
And logic too! Amazing!
Yes, but did you know racists have humor and logic? That’s what really blows the mind. (In case you were unaware, apparently any who defend the right to air such a movie on the grounds of free speech are racist…racist against a religion, apparently)
Yeah, but saying things that provide humor for others isn’t the same as having a sense of humor, Tap.
I was referring to this recent comment thread, C., where I have recently been educated as to my (and Claudia’s and yours, no doubt) true proclivities:
http://poligazette.com/2008/01/23/grand-mufty-of-syria-threatens-netherlands/
LOL, thanks Michael, Christine.
Racist huh? I wonder what your fiancé thinks about your raging Islamophobia and racism Michael?
Claudia: yeah, I don’t know. She didn’t notice this Islamophobia and racism when I’m with her, go to the mosque, etc.
I think that Monty’s words are quite a surprise to her.
Well, you know what they say - Monty knows best!
Greet Wilders lacks knowledge about Islam. He must take lessons from the Holy Book "Quran" which is the word of God and not of Mohamad (PBUH). God cares you and me alike irrespective of religion. But shall reward all of us for the deeds we perform during our short staty in this world. The truth has prevail and falshood has to petrish. Dear Wilders before releasing the film study Quran not in parts or out of context but in totality. I take pity on you, you deserve to be educated. Altaf
I wonder what would happen if somebody wanted to make a film that questioned Holocaust casualties. How far would he/she be able to ride the wave of ‘freedom of expression.’
I think the dutch youth on the streets would have the last word. Would your leaders try and stop them? Riiight.
Geert Wilders Pick a Verses in the middle of Quran WIthout continuing the rest Of the Verses, Coz may be He alsoKnws That Whole Verses is Saying truth. And Quran is a Word of Allah not a Prophet (SAW), Soo he need to take Some lesson From Quran, And Islam Never Teach a Racism, In hadith Beloved Prophet says the Not a White person have Superiorty Over Balck Nor a balck have Superiroty Over White , not a rich person have Superiorty Over Poor, nor a Poor have Superiorty Over RIch, Even not Arab have superoirty Over Non-Arab, nor a non-Arab have Superiorty Over Arab Except One Thing "TAKWA" Thats why We muslim Pray Together standing in a Single Row And facing a Single Direction along with Balck, RIch, Poor all type of poeple, yeah But One thing Will make Differences Betwen US to Others is "TAKWA". If u have Takwa Then u r More Superior then others.
And I pray To Allah, Allah Give Hidayath to Geert Wilders and Rest of All People and All Muslims Too.
Aslam