After the terror attacks in Paris, I wanted to take a deeper dive into the supposed rational for attacking cartoonists. It’s because they drew and disrespected Muhammad, right? Nobody is allowed to depict Muhammad since it is forbidden in Islam. Is it really?
Well, kinda sorta, depending on who (and when) you ask. Turns out is wasn’t until the Taliban issued a fatwa in 2001 that it was officially decreed images were forbidden— please note the source of the fatwa. Granted, it’s not just extremist Muslims who don’t like to see Muhammad depicted, but this is not an inviolable tradition among all people in Islam throughout history. A long history of Islamic art proves that depicting Muhammad has not always been taboo.
I’m all for respecting religion, but using religion as an excuse to kill people— cartoonists or anyone— is despicable. Let’s not take as fact that the cartoonists brought this upon themselves, using drawn metaphors is not the same as using actual violence. You can see a longer article I wrote on the subject here. Enjoy the premier performance of Totally Not Muhammad!
Daytime Talk Show VO: It’s time for . . . The Muhammad Minute!
With your host, Totally NOT Muhammad!
Totally Not Muhammad: Hi, and welcome back to the Muhammad Minute.
Folks, to recap again, if you’re out there raging against cartoons— remember— there’ve been plenty of depictions of Muhammad over the centuries! Been to the US Supreme Court, lately?
These cartoons weren’t the first, and they sure won’t be the last.
Don’t forget, the Koran discourages images of me— er, Muhammad— in order to prevent people from worshipping the image.
Do you really think people were worshipping the Muhammad cartoons?!
And even if they were, the Koran doesn’t say the people creating these images should be punished with death! (But I say tomato, you say death-to-cartoonists.)
Is a pixellated or faceless Muhammad really more respectful than a smiling cartoon face?
I don’t think so!
Who decides what is respectful? Apparently, whoever has the AK-47.
And to news outlets that make editorial choices based on the minds of a few violent extremists . . .
I trust you will also tailor your coverage to please the man who thinks he’s Jesus and planned to poison John Boehner.
That’s all we have time for today . . . I’m Totally Not Muhammad saying: Muhammad is probably strong enough to take care of himself, it’s you people who need help!
Daytime Talk Show VO: Tune in next time for the Muhammad Minute, when Totally Not Muhammad talks about massacring people because . . . your feelings are hurt.
Spoiler Alert: It’s a no-no!