re: #412 samgak

There is no risk of Sharia in any Western country. What is at risk is that violent reactions by a minority (even in other countries) will be used as an excuse to enact anti-blasphemy and anti-hate speech laws for the benefit of “social harmony”, which will end up curtailing the ability to criticize religion (Christianity included) and other basic democratic freedoms. It’s not Muslims per se who are a problem.

That’s why the hysteria about this defacement grates so much, because many who defend Serrano wouldn’t have the backbone to insist on free speech and artistic expression where insulting Muslims is concerned. NOT because it’s a “war on Christians”. Freedom to insult all religions should be guaranteed.
re: #344 Gus 802

I can only observe American politics from a distance. However are Pamela Geller and Spencer really big public figures? I thought she just had a blog.

Frankly. I don’t know what to think of “Piss Christ”. I never did. But you’re missing an important factor here. Piss Christ was not intended to be a political act. The West is also not at war with Christianity and the Muslims see this as a war against them perpetrated by American Christians. Whether we like to believe that or not — it’s how they see it. The same thing holds true with the Allah cartoons in Denmark. That was done within the context of a military invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. We are also looking at two distinct cultures and varying forms of reactions.

Jones does not equal Serrano.