Funny or Dangerous?
By laglen
@laglen (19759)
United States
April 25, 2010 7:30am CST
http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=313170
By JAMIE GRISWOLD
MyNorthwest.com
After Comedy Central cut a portion of a South Park episode following a death threat from a radical Muslim group, Seattle cartoonist Molly Norris wanted to counter the fear. She has declared May 20th "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day."
Norris told KIRO Radio's Dave Ross that cartoonists are meant to challenge the lines of political correctness. "That's a cartoonist's job, to be non-PC."
Producers of South Park said Thursday that Comedy Central removed a speech about intimidation and fear from their show after a radical Muslim group warned that they could be killed for insulting the Prophet Muhammad.
The group said it wasn't threatening South Park producers Trey Parker and Matt Stone, but it included a gruesome picture of Theo Van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker killed by a Muslim extremist in 2004, and said the producers could meet the same fate. The website posted the addresses of Comedy Central's New York office and the California production studio where South Park is made.
"As a cartoonist I just felt so much passion about what had happened I wanted to kind of counter Comedy Central's message they sent about feeling afraid," Norris said.
Norris has asked other artists to submit drawings of any religious figure to be posted as part of Citizens Against Citizens Against Humor (CACAH) on May 20th.
On her website Norris explains this is not meant to disrespect any religion, but rather meant to protect people's right to express themselves.
Do you think this is a good idea or do you think this will put people at risk? I am thinking about participating 
1 person likes this
3 responses
@StarBright (2798)
• United States
26 Apr 10
It is always a sad day when our first amendment rights are challenged either by the government or by individuals. We may disagree with the content of a show, we may personally find it distasteful or offensive, we may want to protect our children from inappropriate and undue influence, but as long as we are not yelling "Fire" in a crowded room or threatening to do harm there is no reason to suppress anyone's right to free speech. We may protest unfair portrayals of members of our community through the proper channels. We may refuse to watch certain shows. We may refuse to financially support certain companies or networks that continue to insult and embarass us. But again, we should always fight for everyone's right to express themselves. That is what we do. We are America.
Not everyone will enjoy satire and parody - especially if it shows the real idiocy of reality. This is because not everyone has evolved to the point where they can laugh at themselves. Have fun with your drawings. Be safe.
1 person likes this
@StarBright (2798)
• United States
26 Apr 10
LOL. These people are not offended as they pretend. They are using Comedy Central as justification for doing the evil things they want to do. End of story. Comedy Central is not the problem. Comedy central makes fun of everyone. They don't pick on any particular group. Give me a break! At least I hope CC's ratings went up. CC should acquire some new fans after this and the great talent behind the shows can get great exposure.
1 person likes this
