Hold onto your hats...
I'm about to say something controversial again.
Most of you who know me, know that I'm a fairly fundy fundamentalist. Why, yes, I'm one of those people who thinks that the Creation Museum is actually a pretty cool idea, contributed money to help them build it, and plan on a visit (halfway across the country from me) within the next year or so.
This is just to give a perspective on where I'm coming from. It's not the controversy, or, at least, not meant to be.
Most of you, by now, have heard the news story about the British teacher in Sudan who allowed her students to name the class teddy bear "Mohammed"--and the hullaballo that's ensued. Now people are calling for her death via firing squad. She's been sentenced to 45 15 days (thanks to bookishwench for the correction) in jail and deportation. She could have been sentenced to forty lashes, six months in prison, and a fine. For "insulting Islam."
These kids are seven...about the age of Da Boy. Also, Teddy Bear = Comfort Object. And "Mohammed" is one of the most common given names in Islam, much like "John" is here. And, dude...John was a prophet too!
Remember what I said above, the fundy thing? Yeah. If Da Boy wanted to name one of his stuffed cats "Jesus," I'd think it was a little odd...but I'd probably die of cute. Keep in mind that, to me, Jesus = God Himself, and not just a prophet. The actual Christian equivalent to naming his cat "Mohammed" would be naming it "John," or "Moses," or "Isaiah." Which I would find even less offensive. If those kids had named the bear "Allah," there might be a case...if you wanted to stretch it.
It seems to me that the Fred Phelps Contingent of Islam is the one making the rules right now. They're hunting offense and finding it where none is intended or even exists. In fact, they're professionals at it. So, where does the line get drawn, and who do we allow to draw it? Does He Who Gets the Most Offended win? Or does he just win if he threatens to blow up a bus full of people?
Where are the reasonable Islamic people, shouting from the rooftops that this isn't their religion, that it's been hijacked by these batshit insane wackos? Or have they been silenced by threats and intimidation?
I suppose that expecting reason from a nation that still embraces slavery is a bit much. My bad.
Most of you who know me, know that I'm a fairly fundy fundamentalist. Why, yes, I'm one of those people who thinks that the Creation Museum is actually a pretty cool idea, contributed money to help them build it, and plan on a visit (halfway across the country from me) within the next year or so.
This is just to give a perspective on where I'm coming from. It's not the controversy, or, at least, not meant to be.
Most of you, by now, have heard the news story about the British teacher in Sudan who allowed her students to name the class teddy bear "Mohammed"--and the hullaballo that's ensued. Now people are calling for her death via firing squad. She's been sentenced to 45 15 days (thanks to bookishwench for the correction) in jail and deportation. She could have been sentenced to forty lashes, six months in prison, and a fine. For "insulting Islam."
These kids are seven...about the age of Da Boy. Also, Teddy Bear = Comfort Object. And "Mohammed" is one of the most common given names in Islam, much like "John" is here. And, dude...John was a prophet too!
Remember what I said above, the fundy thing? Yeah. If Da Boy wanted to name one of his stuffed cats "Jesus," I'd think it was a little odd...but I'd probably die of cute. Keep in mind that, to me, Jesus = God Himself, and not just a prophet. The actual Christian equivalent to naming his cat "Mohammed" would be naming it "John," or "Moses," or "Isaiah." Which I would find even less offensive. If those kids had named the bear "Allah," there might be a case...if you wanted to stretch it.
It seems to me that the Fred Phelps Contingent of Islam is the one making the rules right now. They're hunting offense and finding it where none is intended or even exists. In fact, they're professionals at it. So, where does the line get drawn, and who do we allow to draw it? Does He Who Gets the Most Offended win? Or does he just win if he threatens to blow up a bus full of people?
Where are the reasonable Islamic people, shouting from the rooftops that this isn't their religion, that it's been hijacked by these batshit insane wackos? Or have they been silenced by threats and intimidation?
I suppose that expecting reason from a nation that still embraces slavery is a bit much. My bad.