Thousands of Lebanese demonstrated violently in Lebanon, burning cars and building barricades, to protest a satirical comedy show that made fun of Hizbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah. (in Arabic)
The thuggery worked. There was a profusion of apologies from the makers of the show and others.
It's worth noting that the satire was not of Prophet Mohammad or Jesus Christ. It was not a satire of Allah or God. It was a satire of a political leader.
I'm aware of LBC's political affiliations. It's not a friend of Hizbollah. But this is irrelevant. Freedom of speech and opinion to be meaningful has to allow for the opinion of the "other"--i.e. the one we don't agree with.
This event shows how satirical comedy can hardly exist in the Arab world. It needs a big margin of freedom and political tolerance. There is the Syrian Dureid Lahham, who did not mock individuals and therefore staid safe. There is/was the Lebanese Ziad al Rahbani. I wonder if he would get away with mocking Nasrallah.
Nasrallah's supporters have every right to protest the portrayal of their leader. They can make their own comdey and counter that way. But thuggery seems to be the most favorite mode of operation. Why not? It works.
4 comments:
Amal,
I called my friend in Lebanon to ask her about what happened. I pointed out to her that Al-Manar can make their own comedy as a counter attack. She said, they can't do that because it's against their principles.
Zeina,
What exactly is against their principles? Satire? comedy? criticism of opponents? I'm sure they criticize their opponents all the time.
But my point is that they have a range of options to protest a program they don't like: they can write and lecture against it. They can sign petitions. They can do about a hundered other things that are peaceful and not thuggish. Funny how going to the streets to erect barricades, burn tires, smash public property, and beat up people are not against their principles.
hehe, yeah I wasn't defending them.
I just wanted to mention that, according to what my friend said, this kind of satire is against their principles because they consider it a personal attack.
How Many More Nations Will Israel Attack? (1515 views)Neo-Nazis, you aren't helping (1470 views)Bush tells Russia it should have the same Democracy as Iraq has. (1068 views)Pic thread! (947 views)BREAKING: 7 Israeli Soldiers Killed In Attack (946 views)Cool and Funny Pics! (890 views)Israeli Jets 'Incinerate' Fleeing Family (820 views)All out war for 2 captured soldiers???? (783 views)Stormfront Radio - All New (743 views)lebanon is burning (621 views)
Post a Comment