General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Let's see how intellectually honest the defenders of Charlie Hebdo are. [View all]cpwm17
(3,829 posts)This subject is a minefield and it requires nuance.
Religion deserves criticism, just like any other bad idea. Individuals that do bad things in the name of religion deserve criticism also.
Someone's religious label is not their race and they deserve no special protection.
But, many bigots use the religion of the targeted groups as an excuse to make what are essentially racist attacks. It's happened many times in history, with tragic consequences.
To my eyes, not knowing much of the French culture, but knowing a little of the history of Western oppression against the "Muslim World", those cartoons do appear to be racist. They seem to use negative (racist) stereotypes to condemn an entire group of people, stereotypes used by the powerful against the weak. That ain't cool.