We Discuss the Danish Cartoon Controversy

In our classroom discussion, most MC101s felt that western newspapers have the legal right to be critical of groups--including religious groups--whose policies they disagree with. However, most also felt that it was unethical of the Danish and other newspapers to print the cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad. The prevailing opinion was that mass media should not denigrate any religion's sacred leaders or symbols. Criticism, some felt, should be in words--which can be debated rationally--rather than through denigrating images that invite an emotional response.