This is a guest post by Paul M
You may consult any relevant sources and confer with your classmates. You may take as long as you need: Start now.
Question 1. Multiple choice format.
You have been shown a cartoon of a man who may or may not be Mohammed. He is not named and is so loosely sketched that he might not even be a Muslim. The strange shape on his head could be a turban, or perhaps a pompadour. In his hand is a brief note of support for satirists. Above him is a message of reconciliation—from and to whom is not stated.
Imagine you are a Muslim. You are not looking for a fight: You believe yours is a religion of peace and dignity and you would much rather get along with the diverse communities around you. Do you say:
A) I see nothing about the cartoon that requires me to identify it as Mohammed. I choose not to. If it was an attempt to bait me, I’m not rising to it.
B) If that’s supposed to be Mohammed, you’re a terrible artist. Let me show you how Islamic civilisation has used the image of Mohammed to make great art. See, for example, any of about 50 pieces here.
C) The drawing’s a bit crude but the sentiment is good. Fellowship & forgiveness—two very Islamic qualities. Mohammed would have approved.
D) I don’t like the cartoon/the subtext/the publication it appears in, but I can argue my case and win you over or agree to differ.
E) This cartoon is an insult to Mohammed and to all Muslims. If you don’t heed our universal sense of offense (for which you must take my word) we won’t be responsible for the harm that befalls you.
Question 2. Long answer format.
Referring to your answer to question (1) explain, from both a non-Muslim point of view and from that of the Muslim described above, why the best course for non-Muslims is to suspend their freedom speech where the subject of Islam is concerned.
